The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right lower extremity has been rated at 20 percent, but is not entitled to a higher rating.,The Veteran's bilateral flatfeet with residuals of heel spurs prior to July 25, 2019 have been rated at 10 percent, and are not entitled to a higher rating from that date. From July 25, 2019, the Veteran's condition has been rated at 30 percent.,The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 10 percent, but is not entitled to a higher rating.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus requires treatment with oral hyperglycemic agent and a restricted diet, and is not entitled to a higher rating.,Service connection for gastrointestinal condition, thyroid condition, and acquired psychiatric condition (PTSD and anxiety disorder) are remanded.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support an increased rating in any of the issues on appeal.
- Claimed conditions
- right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, bilateral flat feet with residuals of heel spurs, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, diabetes mellitus
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 24, 2020
- Citation
- 20005070
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus to obtain further medical opinions regarding their potential relationship to toxic exposures during active service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for right foot, left elbow, left hip, left ankle, and diabetes mellitus to obtain additional medical evidence.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, as August 21, 2023, is the earliest possible effective date based on VA receiving the claim.
- Partly granted
The Board restored the 60% rating for degenerative arthritis and IVDS of the lumbar spine, status post fusion, with stenosis and spondylolisthesis. The claims for increased ratings for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathies were denied.
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.