The Board denied an increased rating for degenerative disc disease and arthritis lumbar spine, but granted initial ratings of 20 percent for radiculopathy in the left and right lower extremities, sciatic nerve, and denied higher ratings for femoral nerve radiculopathy.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's disability picture did not more nearly approximate the criteria required for a rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease and arthritis lumbar spine; however, moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve was present to warrant an initial 20 percent rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease and arthritis lumbar spine, Radiculopathy left lower extremity, sciatic nerve, Radiculopathy right lower extremity, sciatic nerve, Radiculopathy left lower extremity, femoral nerve, Radiculopathy right lower extremity, femoral nerve
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 19, 2025
- Citation
- 25006827
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the appeal for an addendum opinion that considers the ameliorative effects of medication when evaluating the Veteran's bilateral radiculopathy of the lower extremities.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 10 percent rating for sinusitis with sinus headaches and remanded several other issues, including increased ratings for radiculopathy of the lower extremities, degenerative arthritis conditions, and service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities precluded him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience, effective July 29, 2016.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
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