The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is rated at 40 percent, which is the highest available rating under the applicable diagnostic code. The claim for rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative disc disease was granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity meets the criteria for a 40% disability rating based on moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve, which is the highest available rating under Diagnostic Code 8520. The service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative disc disease was granted.
- Claimed conditions
- rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- November 6, 2017
- Citation
- 1750323
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 1750323.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis disability rating is being remanded for additional development due to significant weight loss and anemia.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition, including degenerative disc disease and scoliosis, due to lack of current disability evidence.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the VA examinations related to the Veteran's lower back condition and surgical scars are inadequate, necessitating a remand for further evaluation.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection of a low back disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, finding inadequate medical opinions due to failure to consider all relevant evidence.
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