Entitlement to service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, secondary to service-connected lumbosacral strain, on a causation basis, is granted.

Board reasoning

The Board found causation for the radiculopathy based on the service-connected back condition, and granted and/or denied ratings for multiple joints/disorders by weighing range-of-motion measurements, flare-ups, and functional loss. In addressing shoulder disorders, the Board concluded that flexion and abduction limits did not reach the thresholds for higher ratings, while recognizing combined factors such as pain and fatigability. For the spine, it applied the General Rating Formula to different periods, granting a 10% before December 3, 2024 and up to 40% after, with consideration of flare-ups and functional equivalents, and noted that eczema and tinea pedis met the criteria for higher dermatological ratings. A remand was issued for a right ankle condition due to an inadequate December 2024 DBQ, requiring an additional examination to determine current severity and manifestations, in...