The Board granted the restoration of a 20 percent rating for radiculopathy in both lower extremities and an initial 20 percent rating for left ankle degenerative arthritis, while denying a compensable rating for right hallux valgus.

The deciding factor: The reduction of the Veteran's disability ratings was improper as it did not reflect actual improvement in his ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work.

Claimed conditions

diabetic neuropathy, right foot, diabetic neuropathy, left foot, lumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis, hypertension, left great toe degenerative joint disease (DJD) with residual hallux valgus deformity, radiculopathy, right lower extremity (sciatic nerve), radiculopathy, left lower extremity (sciatic nerve), right hallux valgus, right ankle sprain with arthritis and calcaneal spur, radiculopathy, right lower extremity (femoral nerve), radiculopathy, left lower extremity (femoral nerve), left ankle degenerative arthritis

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

October 14, 2025

Citation

A25088057

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