The reduction in rating from 40 percent to 10 percent for lumbar spine IVDS effective from April 1, 2020 to February 3, 2021 was not proper and thus the claim is granted.,Entitlement to an increased rating of 40 percent, but no higher, effective from February 3, 2021, for radiculopathy of left lower extremity sciatic nerve is granted.,Entitlement to an effective date earlier than February 3, 2021 for service connection for radiculopathy of left lower extremity sciatic nerve is denied.,Entitlement to an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for radiculopathy of right lower extremity sciatic nerve is denied.
The deciding factor: The reduction from 40 percent to 10 percent was not proper as the Veteran did not show a sustained improvement in his ability to function under ordinary conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- March 24, 2026
- Citation
- A26026156
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 A26026156.
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 claim for higher ratings for service-connected low back disability and related radiculopathy is being remanded due to the need for clarification of crucial medical questions.,Higher ratings are sought for right and left lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy, but these issues have also been remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board denied an increased rating for tinnitus and remanded the claims for lumbar spine IVDS, radiculopathy of both lower extremities, service connection for a psychiatric disorder, and TDIU due to further development needed.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for lumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome and radiculopathy left lower extremity sciatic nerve as secondary to IVDS, finding the evidence was at least evenly balanced.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 40 percent rating for lumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) and a 30 percent rating for sinusitis effective from July 29, 2021. The claims for increased ratings prior to that date were denied.
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