A 20% rating for thoracolumbar spine disability is granted from January 7, 2019 to January 20, 2022. A higher rating is denied.,An effective date prior to January 21, 2022 for left lower extremity radiculopathy service connection is denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability manifested as abnormal spinal contour with muscle spasm and intermittent episodes of pain. The VA examiner found no additional loss of function or range of motion during repetitive use, but noted that the Veteran experienced functional impairment due to pain.,There is insufficient evidence to support a finding of left lower extremity radiculopathy.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with Bertolotti syndrome and scoliosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 13, 2026
- Citation
- A26033932
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 A26033932.
What this means for you
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