The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy affecting the sciatic nerve, finding that the evidence did not support a rating higher than 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The objective medical findings consistently showed mild incomplete paralysis of the bilateral sciatic nerves, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 8520.
- Claimed conditions
- Right lower extremity radiculopathy affecting the sciatic nerve, Left lower extremity radiculopathy affecting the sciatic nerve
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 27, 2023
- Citation
- 23053847
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 23053847.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted separate 20 percent ratings for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy affecting the sciatic nerve, but denied higher ratings for right and left anterior tibial (deep peroneal) nerve involvement.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and denied service connection for additional claimed conditions.
- Whole decision: Denied
The appeal was denied for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for peripheral vestibular damage with vertigo of the left ear, and remanded for further evaluation of other conditions.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy affecting the sciatic nerve is rated at 20 percent, but no higher, throughout the appeal period.
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