The Veteran's chronic otitis media has been granted a rating of 10 percent. The Veteran’s deviated nasal septum, status post septoplasty, is already at the maximum rating. His ventral hernia is rated as noncompensable. The Veteran's left and right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy are each rated at 20 percent prior to September 22, 2009; 40 percent from June 22, 2017 onwards. His left lower extremity external cutaneous nerve radiculopathy is evaluated as 10 percent disabling. The Veteran's left ankle disability is rated at 20 percent prior to June 22, 2017; and his unspecified depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent prior to that date.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s chronic otitis media has been found to have suppuration, warranting a rating of 10 percent. His deviated nasal septum is already at the maximum rating. The ventral hernia was not well-supported by a belt under ordinary conditions and thus does not meet criteria for a compensable rating. The Veteran's sciatic nerve radiculopathy has been rated as 20 percent prior to September 22, 2009; 40 percent from June 22, 2017 onwards. His left lower extremity external cutaneous nerve radiculopathy is evaluated at 10 percent.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic otitis media, Deviated nasal septum (status post septoplasty), Ventral hernia, Left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy, Right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy, Left lower extremity external cutaneous nerve radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- July 17, 2018
- Citation
- 18118859
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 18118859.
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 claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of a ventral hernia is denied. The extension beyond December 31, 2019, of a temporary total rating (TTR) based on hospitalization for PTSD is also denied. A rating in excess of 70% for PTSD from January 1, 2020 to November 6, 2025 is denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations.
- Granted
The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 50 percent effective February 13, 2021. His left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy is rated at 80 percent from April 21, 2013 to February 12, 2021. The Veteran's TDIU claim has an earlier effective date of April 21, 2013.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected right lower extremity sciatic and femoral nerve radiculopathy with restless leg syndrome is currently rated at 20 percent, effective May 8, 2024. The appeal for higher ratings has been denied.
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