The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spondylosis, right and left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, and femoral radiculopathy have been evaluated based on their respective diagnostic codes. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for any of these conditions.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spondylosis was rated at 40 percent, which already contemplates favorable ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine. His right and left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy were each rated at 10 percent, as they did not meet criteria for higher ratings under Diagnostic Code 8520. The Veteran's right and left lower extremity femoral radiculopathy were both rated at 10 percent.
- Claimed conditions
- Lumbar Spondylosis, Right Lower Extremity Sciatic Radiculopathy, Left Lower Extremity Sciatic Radulopathy, Right Lower Extremity Femoral Radiculopathy, Left Lower Extremity Femoral Radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 10, 2023
- Citation
- 23001715
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 1,037 · Granted: 21% (granted or partly granted, in the indexed decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 23001715.
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 claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted, effective October 11, 2020. The TDIU award is based on the combined effects of her service-connected disabilities and their impact on her ability to maintain employment.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran is granted SMC based on the need for aid and attendance at the 38 U.S.C. � 1114(n 1/2) rate, but no higher, prior to January 25, 2019 and from March 1, 2019, due to his service-connected depressive disorder alone causing him to be in need of regular aid and attendance.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, right and left lower extremity radiculopathies, and common peroneal and superficial peroneal radiculopathies have been granted initial ratings. The Veteran's deep peroneal radiculopathy has also been granted an initial rating.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left lower extremity sciatic and femoral radiculopathy have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating prior to February 22, 2021, or thereafter.
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