The Veteran's claims for left knee instability/subluxation, lumbar spine arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome prior to March 15, 2017, and right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy from April 4, 2015 to March 13, 2017 were denied. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy since March 14, 2017 is also denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show the required criteria for service connection or separate ratings for left knee instability/subluxation and lumbar spine arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome prior to March 15, 2017. The Veteran's right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy was rated at 40% from April 4, 2015 to March 13, 2017 based on moderately severe incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Knee Instability/Subluxation, Lumbar Spine Arthritis with Intervertebral Disc Syndrome, Right Lower Extremity Sciatic Radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 5, 2021
- Citation
- 21000428
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 21000428.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted, effective October 11, 2020. The TDIU award is based on the combined effects of her service-connected disabilities and their impact on her ability to maintain employment.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran is granted SMC based on the need for aid and attendance at the 38 U.S.C. � 1114(n 1/2) rate, but no higher, prior to January 25, 2019 and from March 1, 2019, due to his service-connected depressive disorder alone causing him to be in need of regular aid and attendance.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, right and left lower extremity radiculopathies, and common peroneal and superficial peroneal radiculopathies have been granted initial ratings. The Veteran's deep peroneal radiculopathy has also been granted an initial rating.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), to include gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD); left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome; and left and right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy.
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