The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left upper and lower extremity radiculopathy were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 8511 (left upper extremity) or Diagnostic Code 8620 (left lower extremity).,There was no objective evidence of sensory impairment in the left lower extremity, and the Veteran's complaints were characterized as 'constant pain' rather than more severe symptoms such as muscle atrophy or significant reflex loss.
The deciding factor: The Board determined that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 8511 (left upper extremity) or 8620 (left lower extremity), given the lack of objective evidence supporting more severe symptoms and the characterization of his complaints as 'constant pain'.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Upper Extremity Radiculopathy, Left Lower Extremity Radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 10, 2015
- Citation
- 1509971
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 1509971.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy has been granted a 30 percent disability rating since November 29, 2021.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition, without considering the ameliorative effects of any medication he uses.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is likely due to his service-connected lumbar spine and radiculopathy conditions, with tramadol use possibly causing the condition by October 25, 2012. The effective date for ED will be remanded.,Due to the inextricably intertwined nature of the issues, including the need to determine if tramadol caused ED prior to August 30, 2013, the SMC issue is also remanded.
- Denied
The Board denied a rating in excess of 30 percent for the Veteran's left upper extremity radiculopathy, finding that the evidence did not show severe incomplete paralysis.
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