The Veteran's back disability is rated at 40 percent from May 29, 2021. The ratings for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities affecting the sciatic nerve are increased to 20 percent each effective May 29, 2021. Ratings higher than 20 percent for these conditions are denied. Separate ratings of 20 percent are granted for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy with femoral nerve involvement from May 29, 2021. The Veteran's headache disorder is rated at 50 percent effective February 15, 2021.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's back disability was found to be functionally limited to 30 degrees or less with no unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine or incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome. The radiculopathy conditions were rated based on their analogous impairment to mild and moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve, with separate ratings for femoral nerve involvement.
- Claimed conditions
- Back Disability, Radiculopathy of the Right Lower Extremity (Sciatic Nerve), Radiculopathy of the Left Lower Extremity (Sciatic Nerve), Right Lower Extremity Radiculopathy (Femoral Nerve), Left Lower Extremity Radiculopathy (Femoral Nerve), Headache Disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- January 27, 2022
- Citation
- 22004466
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 22004466.
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
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