The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right lower extremity affecting the sciatic nerve is rated at 20 percent since April 23, 2014.,The Veteran’s painful lumbar spine surgical scar is rated at 10 percent since April 23, 2014.,For the appeal period prior to October 25, 2018, and from October 25, 2018, to July 8, 2019, the Veteran's IVDS with degenerative arthritis of the spine is rated at 20 percent and 40 percent respectively. As of July 8, 2019, a rating of 60 percent but no higher for IVDS with degenerative arthritis of the spine is granted.,The Veteran’s entitlement to separate ratings for bladder or bowel impairment associated with IVDS with degenerative arthritis of the spine and total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) prior to May 2, 2016 are remanded.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not support a higher rating for any of the conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- Radiculopathy of the right lower extremity affecting the sciatic nerve, Painful lumbar spine surgical scar, IVDS with degenerative arthritis of the spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 17, 2019
- Citation
- 19179457
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.
- Denied
The Board denied initial evaluations in excess of 20 percent for radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities affecting the sciatic nerve, as there was no evidence to support a finding of complete paralysis or severe incomplete paralysis with marked muscle atrophy.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
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