The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity sciatic nerve disabilities are each rated at 20 percent, and the claim for a higher rating is denied.,Separate 10 percent ratings for the bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the femoral nerve were granted in March 2016, effective November 30, 2015.
The deciding factor: The evidence consistently shows that the sciatic nerve impairment is of moderate severity, consistent with the 20 percent ratings already assigned. The Veteran's symptoms of pain and numbness were found to be at most moderate in severity.,There is no indication that the Veteran has had complete paralysis of the femoral nerve in either lower extremity at any point during the period on appeal.
- Claimed conditions
- Left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy of the sciatic nerve, Right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy of the sciatic nerve, Left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy of the femoral nerve (effective November 30, 2015), Right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy of the femoral nerve (effective November 30, 2015)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 24, 2023
- Citation
- 23023619
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 23023619.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board denied increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy, but granted separate 10 percent disability ratings for left and right lower extremity femoral nerve peripheral neuropathy.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities, which include PTSD and various peripheral neuropathies.
- Partly granted
The Board denied higher ratings for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy, granted a 20% rating for left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy of the sciatic nerve, and granted a TDIU from April 21, 2021.
- Denied
The Board denied earlier effective dates for increased ratings and DEA basic eligibility, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating prior to November 10, 2020.
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.