The Veteran's back disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and erectile dysfunction are each granted initial ratings of 40 percent effective April 14, 2011.,Additionally, the Veteran is granted a TDIU from April 14, 2011.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran's back disability has resulted in forward flexion to 30 degrees or less throughout the appeal period, meeting the criteria for a 40 percent rating under DC 5242.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Arthritis of the Thoracolumbar Spine (Back Disability), Right Lower Extremity Radiculopathy, Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- February 19, 2026
- Citation
- 26002356
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 26002356.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition, without considering the ameliorative effects of any medication he uses.
- Granted
The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy has been granted a 30 percent disability rating since November 29, 2021.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claim for service connection of Erectile Dysfunction as it was fully granted prior to this decision. The Board has also remanded the issue of service connection for Hypertension.
- Granted
The Board has granted an earlier effective date of October 27, 2021 for the award of service connection for Erectile Dysfunction (ED). The GERD claim is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.
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