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 assigned
- 40%
- 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1447340.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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