The Veteran's right and left lower extremity radiculopathies, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, chondromalacia patella (right and left knees), and sleep apnea residuals status post nasal fracture are all rated at their maximum allowable levels. The Veteran's chest scar is not compensably rated as it does not meet the required surface area criteria. The Veteran's neck scar also does not warrant a compensable rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's conditions were evaluated based on their respective diagnostic codes, and the highest ratings available under those codes have been granted for each condition except for the chest and neck scars, which do not meet the required surface area criteria for compensation.
- Claimed conditions
- Right lower extremity radiculopathy, sciatic nerve, Left lower extremity radiculopathy, sciatic nerve, Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, Chondromalacia patella, right knee, Chondromalacia patella, left knee, Chest scar, Neck scar, Sleep apnea residuals status post nasal fracture, Hemorrhoids
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 15, 2026
- Citation
- A26004326
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 A26004326.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased evaluation of his hemorrhoids, so the case is dismissed.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his lumbar spine and right hip disabilities due to a duty to assist error. The effective date for DEA benefits is granted as May 1, 2014.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date and higher initial rating for his back disability is denied. The effective date remains March 29, 2021, as the earliest date of claim. An initial rating in excess of 20 percent for the back disability from March 29, 2021, is also denied.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for her service-connected hemorrhoids was denied as the evidence did not show large or thrombotic, irreducible hemorrhoids with excessive redundant tissue, evidencing frequent recurrence.
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