The Veteran's service-connected low back disability and bilateral lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy are currently rated at 10 percent prior to March 5, 2021, and 20 percent thereafter. The appeal is denied as the criteria for higher ratings have not been met.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's back disability was found to be manifested by forward flexion of less than 65 degrees with a combined range of motion to less than 175 degrees, which does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent prior to March 5, 2021 and thereafter. The sciatic nerve radiculopathy was found to be manifested by mild incomplete paralysis, which also did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), Degenerative disc disease, Spinal stenosis, Degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 14, 2026
- Citation
- 26000529
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 26000529.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the claim for a higher rating is denied. The left shoulder disability is also rated at 20 percent, but there are no incapacitating episodes to warrant a higher rating under the IVDS Formula. The TDIU claim is remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) is being remanded due to an error in the initial decision process. The AOJ needs to provide notice of his right to a hearing before issuing a final decision.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative disc disease prior to August 1, 2025 was denied as the evidence did not show unfavorable ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine.,The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy prior to March 10, 2025 were denied as there is no neurological impairment associated with these conditions.
- Granted
The Veteran's low back disability and right leg radiculopathy are granted service connection, but left leg radiculopathy is denied.
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