The Board granted initial ratings of 70 percent for a psychiatric disability, 40 percent for a low back disability, and 20 percent each for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy involving the sciatic nerve and femoral nerve. The claim for an initial rating greater than 30 percent for irritable bowel syndrome was denied.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's psychiatric symptoms most closely approximated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent rating. His low back disability had forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, supporting a 40 percent rating.

Claimed conditions

Psychiatric disability, Low back disability, Bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), Bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral nerve), Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

December 10, 2025

Citation

A25106211

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