The Board found that the Veteran's sciatic radiculopathy did not meet or approximate criteria for a higher rating prior to August 31, 2020 and from August 31, 2020 to June 28, 2021.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed that the Veteran's sciatic radiculopathy did not result in at least moderate or moderately severe incomplete paralysis during the appeal period.
- Claimed conditions
- Sciatic radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 6, 2023
- Citation
- 23043565
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 23043565.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a certificate of eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing is remanded due to the need for new VA examinations and further development of medical opinion evidence.
- Granted
The Veteran's initial 70 percent rating for PTSD is granted, with an effective date of May 14, 2008. The appeal regarding increased ratings and earlier effective dates for various conditions remains pending.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for high white blood cell count service connection was dismissed.,Initial disability evaluations of 20 percent were granted for degenerative disc disease, left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, and right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy prior to March 23, 2016.
- Denied
The Veteran's appeal was denied as his back disability did not warrant a rating in excess of 60 percent, and he was also denied SMC based on the need for aid and attendance due to non-service-connected conditions.
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.