The Board granted an initial rating of 40 percent for right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, but denied a higher initial rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy of the femoral nerve.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed muscle strength and reflexes consistent with moderate incomplete paralysis, which is sufficient to meet the criteria for a 40 percent rating under DC 8520 or 8720 but not severe incomplete paralysis required for higher ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- Right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, Right lower extremity radiculopathy, femoral nerve
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- March 9, 2023
- Citation
- 23014404
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 23014404.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted a rating of 20 percent for the Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, finding that it most nearly approximated moderate incomplete paralysis.
- Granted
The Board has granted an initial disability rating of 40 percent for right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, which is considered moderately severe incomplete paralysis.
- Denied
The Veteran's initial ratings for degenerative disc disease with spinal stenosis and disc bulge, right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), and right lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral nerve) have been denied.,The Veteran's back disability is rated at 10 percent due to limitations in range of motion. The claim for an increased rating was denied.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis and spinal stenosis with L3-L5 disc herniation (lumbar disability), left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, and right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve. The Board found that these conditions are related to service.
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.