The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his service-connected back disability, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathies, and hypertension was denied. The rating for IVDS with bilateral facet arthropathy thoracolumbar spondylosis is not met as the evidence did not show forward flexion to 60 degrees or less, combined range of motion of 120 degrees or less, muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or spinal contour, or ankylosis (or its functional equivalent).,The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected right and left lower extremity radiculopathies were not met as the evidence did not show at least moderate incomplete paralysis of the femoral nerve or sciatic nerve. The rating for hypertension was also denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased rating under Diagnostic Codes 5237 and 8526/8520, as the Veteran's range of motion and symptoms were within the limits that would warrant a lower rating. The examiner found no ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.
- Claimed conditions
- IVDS (intervertebral disc syndrome), lumbosacral strain, degenerative disc disease other than IVDS, right lower extremity radiculopathy, femoral nerve, left lower extremity radiculopathy, femoral nerve, right lower extremity radiculopathy, sciatic nerve, left lower extremity radiculopathy, sciatic nerve, hypertension
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 20, 2026
- Citation
- A26025482
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 A26025482.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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- Denied
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