The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected low back disability and sciatica of the right lower extremity were denied. The Veteran's chronic lumbar strain with degenerative changes was not manifested by unfavorable ankylosis, intervertebral disc syndrome (IDS), or neurological impairment other than sciatica of the right lower extremity. For the period from September 19, 2003 to April 27, 2010, sciatica of the right lower extremity was manifested by no more than mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve. For the appeal period beginning April 27, 2010, sciatica of the right lower extremity is manifested by no more than moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic lumbar strain with degenerative changes, sciatica of the right lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 24, 2014
- Citation
- 1447340
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1447340.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for lumbar spine condition, sciatica of the bilateral lower extremities, and bilateral hips due to outstanding VA records. The Veteran's treatment records from Fayetteville VAMC need to be re-associated with the claims file.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection for a teeth disability, sciatica of the right lower extremity, and sciatica of the left lower extremity are being remanded due to the need for additional development.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service connection claim for a back condition is granted. The claims for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve are denied.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board granted a disability rating of 40 percent for the right lower extremity sciatica and denied higher ratings for both left and right lower extremities, as well as service connection for incomplete paralysis of the right external popliteal nerve and TDIU.
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