The Board granted initial ratings of 40 percent for right and left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, as well as a 50 percent rating for loss of extension of the left knee with arthritis, effective March 23, 2011.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms were found to be moderate in severity, warranting a 40 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 8520 and 8526. The maximum schedular rating of 50 percent was granted for loss of extension of the left knee with arthritis based on the evidence presented.

Claimed conditions

right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, left lower extremity femoral radiculopathy, instability of the left knee with arthritis, left knee symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage, loss of extension of the left knee with arthritis

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

40%

Decision date

March 31, 2025

Citation

25004272

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