The Board granted an initial 40 percent rating for the lumbar spine disability and a 20 percent rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy, but denied a compensable rating for lumbar surgical scars.
The deciding factor: The evidence supports that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability more closely approximates forward flexion of 30 degrees or less, warranting a 40 percent rating. The left lower extremity radiculopathy resulted in moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve, justifying a 20 percent rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Lumbar spine disability, Left lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), Lumbar surgical scars
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- June 16, 2025
- Citation
- A25052531
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for chronic headaches, CFS, dermatosis, bilateral RLS, a lumbar spine disability, and sleep apnea but denied a compensable evaluation for allergic rhinitis.
- Granted
The Board granted initial ratings of 40 percent for lumbar spine disorder, 70 percent for major depressive disorder, and 40 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy. TDIU and SMC based on housebound status were also granted.
- Denied
The veteran's bad conduct discharge precludes eligibility for VA benefits, including compensation and healthcare.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, type II, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, asthma/lung disease, vision disability, bilateral plantar fasciitis, leukocytosis, kidney disease/kidney stones, enlarged prostate, sleep apnea, rheumatoid arthritis, lumbar spine disability, right ankle disability, and left ankle disability.
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