The Veteran's right sciatic and femoral nerve radiculopathies are granted with initial ratings of 40% and 30%, respectively, effective June 4, 2018. The balance impairment is denied as the maximum rating has been assigned. The loss of sense of smell is also denied. Dysphagia and a headache disability associated with dysphagia are remanded for further evaluation.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's conditions were evaluated based on their severity under applicable VA rating criteria, resulting in granted ratings for some conditions and denial for others.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Sciatic Nerve Radiculopathy, Right Femoral Nerve Radiculopathy, Balance Impairment (Parkinson's disease), Loss of Sense of Smell (associated with Parkinson's disease), Dysphagia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 4, 2023
- Citation
- 23020482
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 23020482.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied a compensable rating for the Veteran's GERD with hiatal hernia and dysphagia, finding that there was no documented history of esophageal stricture requiring daily medications to control dysphagia.
- Granted
The rating reduction of the Veteran's right and left sciatic nerve radiculopathy from 20 percent to 10 percent, effective June 17, 2020, was improper. The ratings are restored to 20 percent.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for Inclusion Body Myositis with Dysphagia, finding that the Veteran's condition was caused by toxic exposures during his military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's need for personal care services and whether participation in PCAFC would be beneficial. The VA will obtain an opinion from CEAT on these matters.
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.