The veteran's claim for a higher rating for thoracolumbar spine disability was denied, but an initial 20% rating for right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy was granted. The claims for service connection for neck and upper back disability and TDIU were remanded.

The deciding factor: The decision was based on the evidence of record at the time of the May 2023 AOJ decision, which did not support a higher rating for the thoracolumbar spine disability but did support an initial 20% rating for sciatic radiculopathy.

Claimed conditions

thoracolumbar spine disability, right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, neck and upper back disability

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

20%

Decision date

January 21, 2025

Citation

A25005171

Want to see how appeals like this one tend to go? Appeals like mine