Granted
The Veteran was granted a 40 percent rating for lumbosacral strain with spina bifida occulta and IVDS from September 4, 2019 to December 13, 2023, and an effective date of September 4, 2019 for the grant of service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy associated with lumbosacral strain with spina bifida occulta and IVDS.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's disability picture warranted a 40 percent rating based on forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, but did not meet criteria for higher ratings due to lack of evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain with spina bifida occulta and intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), right lower extremity radiculopathy associated with lumbosacral strain with spina bifida occulta and IVDS
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- November 17, 2025
- Citation
- A25099567
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