The Veteran's initial disability ratings for radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities prior to September 13, 2016 are granted at 40 percent and 20 percent respectively.,The Veteran is also granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective May 20, 2010.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed that the Veteran's radiculopathy was productive of symptoms most analogous to moderately severe and moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve prior to September 13, 2016. The VA and private medical opinions supported a finding that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities precluded him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.
- Claimed conditions
- radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- August 6, 2020
- Citation
- 20052379
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 20052379.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his physical limitations could be accommodated by sedentary employment.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has denied service connection for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity and remanded the claim for adjustment disorder. The Veteran's radiculopathy is not shown to be related to his military service, while his adjustment disorder may be related to civilian life.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed all service connection claims and rating determinations due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for low back disability and radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities due to a failure to provide adequate reasons or bases in the November 2024 decision as to whether the pre-decisional duty to assist had been satisfied.
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