The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy involving the sciatic nerve is rated at 20 percent prior to June 14, 2019 and increased to 40 percent from June 14, 2019 to January 13, 2020. Effective January 13, 2020, the Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 60 percent.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran’s disability picture more closely approximates moderate and moderately severe incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve under DC 8520 prior to June 14, 2019 and from June 14, 2019 to January 13, 2020 respectively.
- Claimed conditions
- Right lower extremity radiculopathy involving the sciatic nerve
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 22, 2020
- Citation
- 20035697
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 20035697.
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 has determined that additional development is needed to address service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and evaluations for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy due to potential errors in the initial decision. The case will be remanded for further evaluation.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the (l) level based on his need for regular aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional VA examinations to determine the severity of his service-connected lumbar spine, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy and bilateral pes planus conditions prior to December 22, 2020.
- Denied
The Veteran's kidney stones are rated at 30 percent, the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 7508.,The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 20 percent. The evidence does not support a higher rating as forward flexion was to 65 degrees with no favorable ankylosis.,Left lower extremity radiculopathy in the sciatic nerve is rated at 10 percent, and right lower extremity radiculopathy in the sciatic nerve is also rated at 10 percent. Both are currently rated as they should be based on the current findings.,Beginning August 7, 2017, left lower extremity radiculopathy in the femoral nerve was granted a separate 10 percent rating and right lower extremity radiculopathy in the femoral nerve was also granted a separate 10 percent rating.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.