The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for the Veteran's back disability and granted a 20 percent rating, but not higher, for radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), right lower extremity, and a 40 percent rating, but not higher, for radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), left lower extremity. Other claims were denied.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's back disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to forward flexion greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees. However, his right and left lower extremity radiculopathy demonstrated more than wholly sensory findings at moderate and moderately severe levels respectively.

Claimed conditions

Lumbosacral strain with intervertebral disc syndrome (back disability), Radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), right lower extremity, Radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), left lower extremity, Degenerative arthritis, other than post-traumatic of the right hip (right hip disability), Degenerative arthritis, other than post-traumatic of the left hip (left hip disability), Right hip disability, limitation of extension, Left hip disability, limitation of extension, Right hip disability, thigh impairment, Left hip disability, thigh impairment, Right knee strain, Degenerative arthritis, other than post-traumatic of the left knee (left knee disability), Leg length discrepancy

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

April 9, 2025

Citation

A25032704