The Veteran's initial ratings for degenerative disc disease with spinal stenosis and disc bulge, right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), and right lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral nerve) have been denied.,The Veteran's back disability is rated at 10 percent due to limitations in range of motion. The claim for an increased rating was denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show that the Veteran meets the criteria for a higher evaluation under any applicable diagnostic codes, including those related to degenerative arthritis and radiculopathy.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease with spinal stenosis and disc bulge, Right lower extremity radiculopathy, sciatic nerve, Right lower extremity radiculopathy, femoral nerve
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 9, 2026
- Citation
- A26020721
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation A26020721.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy, sciatic nerve associated with unstable back syndrome with degenerative changes (to include spinal stenosis, intervertebral disc syndrome) is currently rated at 10 percent.,The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy, sciatic nerve associated with unstable back syndrome with degenerative changes (to include spinal stenosis, intervertebral disc syndrome) is currently rated at 10 percent.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to concurrent elections of review options.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine and lower extremity radiculopathy conditions, including during flare-ups and after repetitive use over time.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for further development to ensure that the severity of the Veteran's low back and radiculopathy symptoms is accurately assessed, considering any ameliorative effects of medication.
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