The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy was denied as the evidence did not show symptoms of, or impairment due to, radiculopathy of greater severity than that consistent with mild incomplete paralysis of the nerve.,Service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy and GERD were both denied. The Veteran's claim for service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy was denied as there is no evidence showing current diagnosed disability, and his lay statements regarding symptoms are outweighed by objective examination findings. Service connection for GERD was remanded due to the need for an addendum opinion addressing whether it was caused or aggravated by his service-connected lumbar spine disability.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy is rated under Code 8520, which requires a diagnosis of mild incomplete paralysis. The July 2020 VA examination showed that the Veteran had symptoms consistent with mild incomplete paralysis but no evidence of more severe impairment.,For right lower extremity radiculopathy and GERD, there was insufficient evidence to establish current diagnoses or causal relationships to service-connected conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- Left lower extremity radiculopathy, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 27, 2024
- Citation
- A24078834
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 A24078834.
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 effective dates of July 10, 2024 for service connection for PTSD, lumbar strain, and left lower extremity radiculopathy.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for Dupuytren's contracture of the left hand, right hand, and GERD is remanded due to inadequate VA examination opinions and failure to consider toxic exposure risk activities during service.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 10 percent disabling, but the Board found that his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), finding that both conditions are secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lower back condition and sinusitis, respectively.
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