The Board denied increased ratings for the lumbar spine disorder and left-lower-extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve) prior to September 8, 2023, but granted an increased rating of 40 percent from that date. The Veteran was also granted initial 40 percent ratings for right-lower-extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve).

The deciding factor: The decision was based on the evidence showing the Veteran's symptoms more nearly approximated neurological impairment during certain periods, warranting higher ratings.

Claimed conditions

lumbar-spine disorder (claimed as left-proximal foraminal disc extrusion with right-foraminal annular tear), left-lower-extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), right-lower-extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), left-lower-extremity radiculopathy (femoral nerve), right-lower-extremity radiculopathy (femoral nerve)

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

February 25, 2025

Citation

25002679

Want to see how appeals like this one tend to go? Appeals like mine