The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left lower extremity sciatic and femoral radiculopathy have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating prior to February 22, 2021, or thereafter.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence showed varying degrees of incomplete paralysis throughout the appeal period, but no evidence supporting more than moderate incomplete paralysis for either condition.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Lower Extremity Sciatic Radiculopathy, Left Lower Extremity Femoral Radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 2, 2026
- Citation
- 26001480
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 26001480.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted, effective October 11, 2020. The TDIU award is based on the combined effects of her service-connected disabilities and their impact on her ability to maintain employment.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted SMC based on the need for aid and attendance at the 38 U.S.C. � 1114(n 1/2) rate, but no higher, prior to January 25, 2019 and from March 1, 2019, due to his service-connected depressive disorder alone causing him to be in need of regular aid and attendance.
- Granted
The Veteran's cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, right and left lower extremity radiculopathies, and common peroneal and superficial peroneal radiculopathies have been granted initial ratings. The Veteran's deep peroneal radiculopathy has also been granted an initial rating.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), to include gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD); left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome; and left and right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy.
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