The Veteran's radiculopathy sciatic nerve of the left lower extremity is currently rated at 20 percent, which corresponds to moderate incomplete paralysis. The Board has determined that this rating is appropriate based on the evidence provided.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not support a higher disability rating as the most probative evidence indicates mild to moderate incomplete paralysis without severe or marked muscular atrophy.
- Claimed conditions
- radiculopathy sciatic nerve, degenerative disc disease with herniated disc
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 28, 2020
- Citation
- 20006961
Veterans Law Judge
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 20006961.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's lumbar strain disability is rated at 40 percent effective November 26, 2018. The rating for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity is also granted with an effective date of December 20, 2018.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain with narrowing L4-L5 disc space, radiculopathy sciatic nerve, gastroesophageal reflux disorder, and rhinitis are found to have caused or aggravated the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). As a result, the Board has granted service connection for OSA as secondary to these pre-existing conditions.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA medical records and a determination of his current address.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has ordered further development due to incomplete notification and development of the claims for service connection for a back disorder on a secondary basis, an increased rating for varicose veins, and the need for additional medical examination.
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