The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his sciatic neuropathy with lumbar spondylosis and spondylolisthesis, finding that the evidence did not support a rating higher than 40 percent. The claim for increased rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy was remanded.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found no ankylosis or incapacitating episodes of IVDS during the appeal period, and the Veteran's symptoms were adequately addressed under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- sciatic neuropathy, lumbar spondylosis and spondylolisthesis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- April 25, 2018
- Citation
- 1825016
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 1825016.
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.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities has been denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for sciatic neuropathy of the left lower extremity is being remanded for further review.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity did not manifest prior to January 25, 2004. Therefore, an effective date earlier than January 25, 2004, for this condition is denied.
- Granted
The Board has granted a rating of 40 percent for sciatic neuropathy, left lower extremity, associated with left hip osteoarthritis with limited abduction. This decision is based on the Veteran's symptoms and medical examination findings.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for neurological impairment of the right lower extremity, including radiculopathy and sciatic neuropathy secondary to his already established lumbosacral strain (low back disability), is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding objective findings of these conditions.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.