The Veteran's right and left lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatica) disabilities are currently rated at 20 percent each, but the Board finds that they do not warrant a higher rating as there is no evidence of more than moderate symptoms in either leg.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations indicated mild to moderate pain, paresthesias, and numbness without any muscle atrophy or significant functional impairment. The Veteran's radiculopathy was rated based on the criteria for incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.
- Claimed conditions
- Right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatica), Left lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatica)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 30, 2022
- Citation
- A22026322
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 A22026322.
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: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his low back disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 40 percent for his back disability or any rating above 10 percent for his right and left lower extremity radiculopathies.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's appeal was denied as his notice of disagreement with the May 2015 rating decision was not timely filed.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right groin pain have been granted increased ratings effective September 4, 2015. The original claim for an increase in his service-connected lumbar spine condition was reopened due to new evidence (right groin pain and sciatica).
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and denied his request for a separate rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatica).
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.