The Board granted an initial rating of 40 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy, sciatic nerve and denied ratings in excess of 40 percent for lumbosacral strain with intervertebral disc syndrome and bulging disc of the lumbar spine (lumbosacral strain with IVDS) and a disability rating higher than 70 percent for adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood.
The deciding factor: The evidence supported moderately severe symptoms for left lower extremity radiculopathy, but did not meet criteria for a higher rating. For lumbosacral strain with IVDS and adjustment disorder, the evidence did not support ratings in excess of those already assigned.
- Claimed conditions
- left lower extremity radiculopathy, sciatic nerve, lumbosacral strain with intervertebral disc syndrome and bulging disc of the lumbar spine (lumbosacral strain with IVDS), adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood (adjustment disorder)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- June 10, 2025
- Citation
- A25050718
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 denied earlier effective dates for the grant of service connection and granted initial 40 percent ratings for left upper extremity CTS, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and special monthly compensation (SMC) housebound status, but dismissed the claims for initial ratings in excess of 40 percent for lumbosacral spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy.
- Partly granted
The Board granted initial disability ratings of 40 percent for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, a 20 percent rating for lumbar spine disability, denied an increased rating for obstructive sleep apnea with asthma, granted TDIU from May 7, 2021, and SMC from September 10, 2021.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection, increased ratings, and earlier effective dates as there was no evidence to support a causal relationship between his current conditions and his active military service.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.