The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is currently rated at 20 percent, effective October 8, 2013. The claim for a higher rating is denied.
The deciding factor: The most recent VA examination in April 2018 showed mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve, which corresponds to a 20% rating under Diagnostic Code 8520.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine degenerative arthritis with spinal fusion, rheumatoid arthritis (implied by radiculopathy)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- September 7, 2018
- Citation
- 18133014
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 18133014.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for an effective date of February 28, 2006 for service connection for lumbar spine disability and TDIU, DEA eligibility, and SMC at the housebound rate.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine strain with degenerative disc disease and joint disease is rated at 40 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Board has remanded this issue due to conflicting medical opinions regarding whether the condition warrants an increased evaluation. For his TDIU claim since May 18, 2011, the Veteran meets the requirements as he is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that there are new and material issues related to the Veteran's claims for increased ratings, propriety of a ratings reduction, and TDIU. The VA must obtain any outstanding treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records before these matters can be further adjudicated.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's back condition and radiculopathy of the lower extremities are not rated higher than their current levels, with some issues remanded for further evaluation.
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