The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as the evidence did not support higher disability ratings for his radiculopathy of the femoral nerves and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine with IVDS.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations and treatment records did not document more than mild incomplete paralysis or sensory disturbance, which are required for higher disability ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc disorder (IVDS), left metatarsalgia, radiculopathy of the femoral nerve of the left lower extremity, radiculopathy of the femoral nerve of the right lower extremity, degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine with IVDS
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 13, 2021
- Citation
- 21042474
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 21042474.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis disability rating is being remanded for additional development due to significant weight loss and anemia.
- Granted
The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected, with a rating of 10 percent.,The Veteran's back disability remains at a 40 percent rating. The Board finds the evidence does not support an increase to higher ratings.,The Veteran's radiculopathy of the femoral nerve in both lower extremities are each granted initial 20 percent ratings.,Service connection for GAD, bilateral hearing loss, and chronic kidney pain is remanded.,A compensable disability rating (greater than 0 percent) for chronic kidney infections is also remanded.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and hepatic steatosis have been denied. The claim for rheumatoid arthritis is being remanded.,Service connection has not been established for the claimed conditions.
- Partly granted
Service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren's syndrome is granted.,Service connection for hypertension is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding its onset in service or as a result of a disease or injury in active service.
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