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Denied

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy prior to July 19, 2018, and in excess of 40 percent thereafter was denied.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right and left lower extremities varicose veins were also denied.,The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating for either condition.

The deciding factor: The medical evidence showed that the Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy was manifested by no more than moderate incomplete paralysis with decreased sensation above and below the LLE ankle prior to July 19, 2018, and there was no more than moderately severe incomplete paralysis thereafter.,For varicose veins of the right and left lower extremities, the evidence did not show persistent edema or stasis pigmentation/eczema, which are required for a higher rating.,The Veteran's treatment records and VA examination reports did not indicate any symptoms such as edema, pigmentation, or eczema that would warrant a higher rating.

Claimed conditions
left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity varicose veins, left lower extremity varicose veins
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
None in this decision
Decision date
February 10, 2023
Citation
23008964

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 23008964.

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