The Board granted increased 40 percent ratings for a service-connected back condition, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve from July 12, 2022, but denied an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for a service-connected neck condition.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms met the criteria for moderately severe radiculopathy and unfavorable ankylosis was not present. The back condition showed limited forward flexion to 30 degrees or less, which warranted a 40 percent rating under DC 5235-5243.
- Claimed conditions
- Back condition, Right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, Left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 19, 2025
- Citation
- A25025607
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.
- Partly granted
The Veteran was granted a 40% rating for his low back condition and a 60% rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, while other claims were denied.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's appeals for increased ratings and remanded certain issues, including TDIU and SMC.
- Partly granted
The Board granted restoration of 20 percent ratings for left and right lower extremity radiculopathies of the sciatic and femoral nerves, but denied increased ratings in excess of 20 percent. The Board also remanded service connection for prostate cancer and a rating increase for low back strain.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition and a TBI, but denied the claim for PTSD as moot. The claims for service connection for a neck condition and back condition were remanded.
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