The Board granted restoration of a 40 percent rating for the Veteran's low back disability and restored 20 percent ratings for sciatic nerve radiculopathies in both lower extremities, effective September 28, 2023. The decision also denied higher ratings for these conditions.
The deciding factor: The reduction of the ratings was not proper as there was no actual improvement in the Veteran's ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work.
- Claimed conditions
- spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine with degenerative arthritis and thoracic strain, sciatic nerve radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, sciatic nerve radiculopathy of the left lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- April 23, 2025
- Citation
- A25037075
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 40 percent evaluation for sciatic nerve radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities, a 30 percent evaluation for femoral nerve radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities, and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU), but denied an increased evaluation in excess of 40 percent for spinal stenosis and lumbar intervertebral disc syndrome.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for eligibility for specially adapted housing, a special home adaptation grant, and financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment. The claim of CUE in the September 14, 2017, rating decision was also denied.
- Dismissed
The veteran withdrew the appeal, and there are no allegations of error for appellate consideration.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the veteran's appeals for increased ratings and a compensable rating for various conditions, as these issues were deferred by the AOJ and not yet final.
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