The Veteran was granted a 40 percent disability rating for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, but ratings in excess of 10 percent were denied for right ankle and left Achilles tendonitis disabilities.
The deciding factor: The severity of the radiculopathy of the left lower extremity warranted a higher 40 percent rating based on moderate to severe sensory deficits and muscle weakness. However, there was no evidence of severe incomplete paralysis or other factors that would warrant ratings in excess of 10 percent for the right ankle and left Achilles tendonitis.
- Claimed conditions
- Radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, Right ankle disability, Left Achilles tendonitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 10, 2025
- Citation
- A25088018
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