The Board granted a disability rating of 40 percent for radiculopathy of the right upper extremity and denied an earlier effective date for the award of a separate 10 percent rating for right leg radiculopathy as associated with the lumbar spine disability.

The deciding factor: The evidence supported moderate incomplete paralysis of all radicular groups in the right arm, but not severe. For the lower extremity, there was no earlier claim that could be interpreted as a request for a higher rating within one year prior to February 14, 2024.

Claimed conditions

Radiculopathy of the right upper extremity, Right lower extremity radiculopathy

How they argued it

Secondary to another service-connected condition

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

40%

Decision date

December 1, 2025

Citation

A25103190

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