The veteran's claim for an increased rating for back issues and radiculopathy was denied. However, the effective date for a higher rating of bipolar II disorder was granted as December 6, 2018.

The deciding factor: The decision was based on the lack of evidence showing incapacitating episodes or worse than 'mild' incomplete paralysis.

Claimed conditions

intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), degenerative arthritis of the spine, lumbosacral strain, bipolar II disorder, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, sciatic nerve, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, femoral nerve, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, sciatic nerve, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, femoral nerve

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

January 3, 2025

Citation

A25000686

Want to see how appeals like this one tend to go? Appeals like mine