The Veteran's service-connected right leg sciatica is currently rated at 20 percent disabling, and the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating based on the current evidence of record.
The deciding factor: The clinical findings during the June 2006 VA examination showed mild weakness and reduced sensation in the right lateral leg but no significant organic changes (e.g., loss of reflexes or muscle atrophy) to support a higher rating under DC 8520. The Veteran's symptoms were described as unsteadiness, occasional giving way, and mild weakness.
- Claimed conditions
- Right leg sciatica
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 23, 2009
- Citation
- 0948269
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0948269.
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: Partly granted
The Veteran's back disability has been productive of functional loss that more closely approximated at least favorable ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine, warranting a rating of at least 40 percent from September 30, 2009.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for low back disability and right leg sciatica, finding that there is no evidence to support a causal relationship between his service-connected disabilities and these conditions.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination and medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's low back disability and right leg sciatica are related to his service or service-connected conditions.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for back disability and sciatica of the left and right lower extremities, finding that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of these conditions.
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