The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for radiculopathy of the lower extremities was denied prior to May 13, 2010 and in excess of 10 percent from August 22, 2017. The claim is granted with a 20 percent evaluation beginning July 7, 2014.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU and higher evaluation for lumbosacral strain (back condition) was remanded.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of the evidence shows that the Veteran’s radiculopathy did not manifest to moderate incomplete paralysis prior to July 7, 2014.
- Claimed conditions
- rubiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 8, 2020
- Citation
- 20065396
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 2,592 · Granted: 19% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 20065396.
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.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's request for increased ratings and TDIU, effective March 8, 2019. The appellant is eligible to receive attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in the March 2022 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the cases due to a need to ascertain whether a March 2017 VA examination was conducted for the Veteran's ankles.
- Granted
The Veteran's appeal for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for radiculopathy, left leg L-5 nerve root sciatic nerve associated with lumbosacral spine strain and degenerative disc disease is dismissed due to the appellant's withdrawal. The issues of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability are remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's radiculopathy and his service-connected cervical spine disability, as well as any right arm or hand disabilities. Additional development is needed.
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