The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with IVDS and cervical spine strain with IVDS are currently rated at 40 percent and 30 percent, respectively. The Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating for these conditions.,The Veteran's right upper extremity radiculopathy has been rated at 20 percent prior to April 21, 2021, and 30 percent from April 21, 2021 to November 4, 2022. The Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating for this condition.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show that the Veteran's lumbosacral strain with IVDS or cervical spine strain with IVDS meet the criteria for a higher rating under either the Formula for Rating IVDS Based on Incapacitating Episodes or the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain, intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDS), cervical spine strain, right upper extremity radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 12, 2026
- Citation
- 26002015
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 26002015.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for lumbosacral strain, asthma, melasma and hydradenitis, hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression, anxiety, and stress), left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, left knee disorder, a left foot disorder, and IBS have been granted. The remaining issues are remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine degenerative arthritis. The claims for back pain and right upper extremity radiculopathy are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew their appeal for service connection of a lumbosacral strain, resulting in the dismissal of this issue.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, finding that it is related to his in-service injury. The claimant did not contest this decision.
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