The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity or right lower extremity, and denied service connection for hand neurological disabilities as secondary to low back disability. Service connection was granted for hemorrhoids.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations indicated mild to moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve in both legs, which did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 8520.
- Claimed conditions
- Radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (sciatic nerve), Radiculopathy of the right lower extremity (sciatic nerve), Left hip impairment, Left hand neurological disability, Right hand neurological disability, Sacroiliac joint disorder of the left extremity (sacroiliac joint disorder), Sacroiliac joint disorder of the right lower extremity (sacroiliac joint disorder), Hemorrhoids
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 18, 2020
- Citation
- 20026878
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 20026878.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased evaluation of his hemorrhoids, so the case is dismissed.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for her service-connected hemorrhoids was denied as the evidence did not show large or thrombotic, irreducible hemorrhoids with excessive redundant tissue, evidencing frequent recurrence.
- Denied
The Veteran's lumbar spine condition and lower extremity radiculopathy conditions were rated at 40 percent and 20 percent, respectively, effective May 24, 2022.,Prior to May 24, 2022, there is no evidence of an increase in severity for the Veteran's lumbar spine condition or lower extremity radiculopathy conditions.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted higher levels of SMC and aid and attendance special monthly compensation effective May 3, 2024, due to his service-connected conditions that require regular aid and assistance.
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