The Board granted a disability rating of 40 percent for lumbosacral strain status post discectomy with degenerative disc disease and separate ratings of 20 percent each for left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic and femoral nerves.

The deciding factor: The weight of the evidence was in at least approximate balance as to whether the Veteran's lumbosacral strain status post discectomy with degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome and spinal stenosis had manifested as limitation of forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, and moderate incomplete paralysis of the left sciatic and femoral nerves.

Claimed conditions

lumbosacral strain status post discectomy with degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome and spinal stenosis, left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve due to service connected lumbosacral strain status post discectomy with degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome and spinal stenosis, left lower extremity radiculopathy of the femoral nerve due to service connected lumbosacral strain status post discectomy with degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome and spinal stenosis

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

40%

Decision date

November 14, 2025

Citation

A25099315

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