The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (sciatic nerve) was rated at 10% from November 5, 2012 to October 8, 2013 and increased to 40% effective October 8, 2013. The right lower extremity radiculopathy was initially rated at 10%, effective November 29, 2013, and later increased to 20% from January 8, 2015.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (sciatic nerve) did not meet criteria for a higher rating as it was characterized as mild incomplete paralysis during this period. The right lower extremity radiculopathy was rated at 10% prior to January 8, 2015 and increased to 20% from that date onwards.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Radiculopathy of the Left Lower Extremity (Sciatic Nerve)"}, {"condition_name":"Radiculopathy of the Right Lower Extremity (Sciatic Nerve)"}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 22, 2020
- Citation
- 20080525
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
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