The Board granted a 20 percent initial rating for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, sciatic nerve and denied the claims for an earlier effective date prior to January 25, 2022, and increased ratings for unspecified depressive disorder.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms of moderate incomplete paralysis in each leg most closely approximate a 20 percent rating under DC 8520. The evidence does not support an earlier effective date or higher ratings for the depressive disorder.

Claimed conditions

bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, sciatic nerve, unspecified depressive disorder with unspecified anxiety disorder

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

October 9, 2025

Citation

A25087425

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