The Board granted a disability rating of 40 percent for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, but denied an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for the lumbar spine condition.

The deciding factor: The evidence did not support a higher rating due to the absence of unfavorable ankylosis or functional loss equivalent to ankylosis, and the Veteran's symptoms were consistent with moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.

Claimed conditions

radiculopathy, left lower extremity, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with spinal stenosis, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), spondylosis, and herniated disc L1-L3, radiculopathy, right lower extremity

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

December 23, 2025

Citation

A25110360

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