The Board denied service connection for memory loss and denied increased ratings for radiculopathy of the lower extremities, finding that the evidence did not support higher ratings.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's reported memory difficulties were attributed to his alcohol use disorder and major depressive disorder, which are already service-connected. The radiculopathy was found to be no more than mild or moderate in severity.
- Claimed conditions
- memory loss, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity sciatic nerve, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity femoral nerve, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity sciatic nerve, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity femoral nerve
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 5, 2024
- Citation
- 24000958
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.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection for memory loss and found that the issue of TDIU from September 6, 2022 is moot.
- Partly granted
The appeal for service connection for fibromyalgia was granted with an effective date of August 14, 2023. The appeals for earlier effective dates and higher ratings were denied.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 20 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that the evidence supported a moderate incomplete paralysis rating.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including prostate gland injuries, sleep apnea, DM, and hypertension, as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to the Veteran's military service. The application to readjudicate previously denied claims for memory loss, teeth removal, and eye defects was also denied.
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