The Veteran's sciatic and femoral nerve radiculopathy have been rated at 20 percent for each lower extremity since October 9, 2008. The Board has determined that the evidence does not support a higher rating.,SMP based on need for aid and attendance prior to June 24, 2016 was denied as the Veteran's combined disability rating exceeded the pension rate at that time.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence shows moderate radiculopathy symptoms of the sciatic and femoral nerves in both lower extremities. The VA-contracted examiner’s findings were inconsistent with previous examination results, leading to a denial of higher ratings.,The Veteran's combined disability rating exceeded the pension rate at the time SMP was sought, making him ineligible for additional benefits.
- Claimed conditions
- Sciatic nerve radiculopathy, Femoral nerve radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 16, 2022
- Citation
- 22009013
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 22009013.
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 bilateral lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy is productive of moderately severe incomplete paralysis, with symptoms including diminished muscle strength and hypoactive reflexes. The Board has granted initial ratings of 40 percent for both the right and left lower extremities.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case for a new medical opinion regarding the Veteran's eligibility for PCAFC benefits due to insufficient reasoning in the previous decision. The claim will be reconsidered based on all available evidence, including lay statements and medical opinions.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for low back strain with spondylosis, a separate rating for sciatic nerve radiculopathy, and entitlement to TDIU due to duty-to-assist errors.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for a retrospective opinion to determine when and how severe the Veteran's sciatic and femoral nerve radiculopathy is, as well as which nerves are affected.
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