The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (sciatic nerve) is granted a rating of 20 percent from December 6, 2010 to September 11, 2013. The appeal for ratings in excess of 40 percent beginning on September 11, 2013 and for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (femoral nerve) is denied. Ratings in excess of 20 percent for degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine are denied. Ratings in excess of 10 percent for right lower extremity (sciatic nerve) radiculopathy are also denied. The Veteran's PTSD from December 6, 2010 to February 5, 2020 is denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran’s radiculopathy of the left lower extremity was manifested by moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve and accompanying symptoms. The cervical spine condition was not manifested by ankylosis or bowel/urinary impairment, while the lumbar spine condition did not meet criteria for intervertebral disc syndrome.
- Claimed conditions
- Radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (sciatic nerve), Degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 15, 2020
- Citation
- 20067096
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 1,432 · Granted: 29% (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 20067096.
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 Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the (o) rate and SMC at the (r)(2) rate, effective January 19, 2025. The decision finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions warrant these awards due to his need for aid and attendance.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has identified a contradiction in the AOJ's determinations regarding the Veteran's need for aid and assistance, which requires clarification. The remanded issues are entitlement to SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another and on the basis of statutory housebound status.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased rating and earlier effective date for PTSD have been dismissed due to her withdrawal of the appeal.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted service connection for a right knee scar secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability status post knee replacement. However, the rating for PTSD remains at 30 percent and needs to be re-adjudicated due to a failure to obtain private mental health treatment records.
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