The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date and a higher rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy is granted, along with SMC based on the need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.
The deciding factor: The evidence established that the Veteran had left lower extremity radiculopathy impacting the sciatic nerve since July 30, 2014, and he required regular aid and assistance from another person due to his service-connected low back disability and associated neurological conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- left lower extremity radiculopathy involving the sciatic nerve, service-connected low back disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- October 22, 2020
- Citation
- 20068463
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an initial disability rating of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain, but denied earlier effective dates for the right and left lower extremity radiculopathy involving the sciatic nerve.
- Denied
The Board denied the claims for a higher rating and TDIU, finding that the evidence did not support symptoms greater than moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.
- Remanded (sent back)
The claims for increased ratings for various radiculopathies in the lower extremities are remanded due to an inadequate VA examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for higher initial disability ratings for left lower extremity radiculopathy involving the sciatic, femoral, and external cutaneous nerves to obtain a medical opinion regarding the ameliorative effects of prescribed medications on the Veteran's symptoms.
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.