The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity radiculopathies have been rated at 20 percent since December 5, 2007. The Board finds that the current ratings are appropriate for the period on appeal.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows mild to moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic and femoral nerves in both lower extremities from December 5, 2007 to May 29, 2021, warranting a 20 percent rating under Diagnostic Codes 8720 and 8526.
- Claimed conditions
- Sciatic nerve radiculopathy, Femoral nerve radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- May 1, 2023
- Citation
- 23025025
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 23025025.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy is productive of moderately severe incomplete paralysis, with symptoms including diminished muscle strength and hypoactive reflexes. The Board has granted initial ratings of 40 percent for both the right and left lower extremities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case for a new medical opinion regarding the Veteran's eligibility for PCAFC benefits due to insufficient reasoning in the previous decision. The claim will be reconsidered based on all available evidence, including lay statements and medical opinions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for low back strain with spondylosis, a separate rating for sciatic nerve radiculopathy, and entitlement to TDIU due to duty-to-assist errors.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for a retrospective opinion to determine when and how severe the Veteran's sciatic and femoral nerve radiculopathy is, as well as which nerves are affected.
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