The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for sciatic nerve neuropathy and femoral nerve radiculopathy were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating than 20 percent for left lower extremity sciatic nerve neuropathy, 20 percent for right lower extremity sciatic nerve neuropathy, or 10 percent for right femoral nerve radiculopathy.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed symptoms and overall severity as at most moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerves and mild radiculopathy of the femoral nerve. The Veteran's symptoms were predominantly sensory in nature, which did not warrant a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Left lower extremity sciatic nerve neuropathy, Right lower extremity sciatic nerve neuropathy, Femoral nerve radiculopathy of the right lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 16, 2020
- Citation
- A20016966
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 A20016966.
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 Veteran's hypertension was not granted an earlier effective date than August 10, 2022.,Effective February 25, 2021, the Veteran is now eligible for Dependents' Educational Assistance based on permanent and total disability status due to multiple service-connected disabilities.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for depressive disorder and femoral nerve radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, finding that the severity of his symptoms did not warrant higher disability ratings.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of April 22, 2020, for compensable ratings and service connection for sciatic nerve radiculopathy in the right and left lower extremities.
- Partly granted
The Board granted effective dates of April 22, 2018, for the assignment of disability ratings and DEA, but denied increased ratings for several conditions.
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