The Veteran was granted an initial disability rating of 40 percent for lumbosacral strain, DJD, from December 17, 1997 to June 3, 2022, and the effective date for service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy was also set at December 17, 1997. However, a higher rating or TDIU was denied.

The deciding factor: The evidence supported an initial disability rating of 40 percent based on the Veteran's symptoms and functional limitations, but did not warrant a higher rating due to the lack of more severe manifestations.

Claimed conditions

lumbosacral strain, degenerative joint disease (DJD), right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, right lower extremity radiculopathy of the femoral nerve, left lower extremity radiculopathy of the femoral nerve

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

40%

Decision date

December 10, 2025

Citation

A25106234

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