The Board granted a disability rating of 40 percent for both the right and left lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, finding that the Veteran's symptoms most nearly approximated moderately severe incomplete paralysis.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed significant impairment of motor functions and varying degrees of decreased sensation in both lower extremities, warranting a 40 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 8520 for each leg.
- Claimed conditions
- right lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, left lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- November 19, 2024
- Citation
- 24033163
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board granted initial ratings of 40 percent for degenerative disc disease and 20 percent for right and left lower extremity radiculopathies, but denied higher ratings. Other claims were either granted with non-compensable ratings or denied.
- Partly granted
The Board denied increased ratings for various conditions but granted restoration of a 10 percent rating for right hip iliotibial band syndrome, limitation of extension.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for heat stroke and increased the disability rating to 20 percent for both lower extremity radiculopathies, while denying a higher rating for cervical strain. The claims for higher ratings for knee disabilities were remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for further development to clarify the severity of the Veteran's lower extremity nerve conditions during the entire period on appeal.
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