The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis, degenerative disc disease and spondylosis of the thoracolumbar spine, arthritis of the left knee, radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve of the lower extremities, and residual scarring from salivary gland surgery have all been denied. The effective dates for service connection grants are also denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis, Degenerative disc disease and spondylosis of the thoracolumbar spine, Arthritis of the left knee, Radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve of the left lower extremity, Radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve of the right lower extremity, Radiculopathy of the femoral nerve of the left lower extremity, Radiculopathy of the femoral nerve of the right lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 8, 2020
- Citation
- 20032558
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 20032558.
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 Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve of the left lower extremity is denied. The claims for an increased rating for strain of the right hip with limitation of extension and Individual Unemployability (TDIU) are remanded.
- Denied
The Veteran is found not competent to handle the disbursement of VA funds, and his appeal is denied.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for increased initial disability ratings for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve of the right lower extremity. The claim of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of July 14, 2020, for the grant of service connection for IVDS with spinal fusion and lumbar disc disease with stenosis, as well as associated radiculopathy of the sciatic and femoral nerves of the left and right lower extremities, and depressive disorder.
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