The Veteran's cervical spine disability was granted an increased rating to 20 percent, effective from February 1990 to May 1998.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was granted a temporary increase in ratings up until April 26, 2016. After that date, the disability is rated at 40 percent for the period prior to June 2, 2020 and 20 percent thereafter.,The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right upper extremity was granted a temporary increase in ratings up until June 2, 2020. After that date, the disability is rated at moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve (upper and middle radicular groups).,The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left upper extremity was granted a temporary increase in ratings up until June 2, 2020. After that date, the disability is rated at moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve (upper and middle radicular groups).,The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right lower extremity is currently rated as moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.,The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity was granted a temporary increase in ratings up until May 21, 2018. After that date, the disability is rated at moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.,Service connection for GERD and hiatal hernia has been established.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's cervical spine disability was granted an increased rating to 20 percent based on the severity of her symptoms, including pain and limitation of motion with forward flexion at 35 degrees.,Prior to April 26, 2016, the lumbar spine disability was rated as having limitation of forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but less than 60 degrees. From that date onwards, the disability is not manifested by unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.,The radiculopathy of the right upper extremity was granted a temporary increase in ratings up until June 2, 2020 based on moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve (upper and middle radicular groups). After that date, the disability is rated at moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.,The radiculopathy of the left upper extremity was granted a temporary increase in ratings up until June 2, 2020 based on moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve (upper and middle radicular groups). After that date, the disability is rated at moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.,The radiculopathy of the right lower extremity was granted a rating of 20 percent as it manifested by moderate pain, paresthesias, and numbness which more nearly approximates moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.,The radiculopathy of the left lower extremity was granted a temporary increase in ratings up until May 21, 2018 based on mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve. After that date, the disability is rated at moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.,Service connection for GERD and hiatal hernia has been established as there is relative equipoise in the evidence regarding whether these conditions were incurred during service.

Claimed conditions

Degenerative disc disease (DDD), Herniated nucleus pulposus, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Hiatal hernia

How they argued it

Not specified

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

February 22, 2022

Citation

22009984

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 22009984.