The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings have been granted. Effective dates of April 27, 2015, were set for the low back condition and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy conditions. A rating of 40 percent was granted for RLE sciatic nerve radiculopathy as of July 2, 2021.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed moderately severe incomplete paralysis of the RLE sciatic nerve from July 2, 2021, warranting a 40% rating under DC 8520. The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy conditions were rated based on their severity and symptoms.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine (low back condition), LLE radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, RLE radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, LLE radiculopathy of the femoral nerve, RLE radiculopathy of the femoral nerve
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- January 14, 2026
- Citation
- 26000528
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 26000528.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy were denied as the evidence did not show levels of impairment sufficient to increase the ratings.
- Denied
The Veteran's LLE radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve is rated at 60 percent, effective from February 8, 2024. The Board denied an increased rating for this condition.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing or following substantial gainful employment since January 1, 2017.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings, as well as remanded certain issues.
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