The Veteran's claims for increased ratings prior to April 27, 2021 were denied as his radiculopathy of the femoral and sciatic nerves did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.
The deciding factor: The September 2018 VA examination showed normal muscle strength and no atrophy in the left lower extremity, with normal sensory examination. The Veteran's symptoms prior to April 27, 2021 were deemed insufficient to warrant a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Radiculopathy of the femoral nerve, Radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 17, 2022
- Citation
- 22064535
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 22064535.
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 Veteran's initial ratings for RLE and LLE radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve were reduced from 40% to 20%, but these reductions are void ab initio. The Veteran's initial ratings for RLE and LLE radiculopathy of the femoral nerves remain at 20%. Initial higher ratings for both conditions are denied.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for earlier effective dates for radiculopathy of the femoral and sciatic nerves due to a duty to assist error by the AOJ.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeals for restoration of a 60 percent rating for DDD of the lumbar spine and increased ratings for bilateral lower radiculopathy of the femoral and sciatic nerves.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right sciatic nerve was granted a 20% disability rating effective June 20, 2022. The Veteran's anterior crural (femoral) nerve paralysis and right lower ilio-inguinal nerve paralysis were denied increased ratings.
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