The Veteran's back disability is rated at 40 percent, and he was granted higher ratings for his sciatic nerve radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities as well as his femoral nerve radiculopathy. He also received a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's back disability is rated at its maximum allowable under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, with no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis. The ratings for sciatic nerve radiculopathy were granted as they met the criteria for moderate incomplete paralysis. The TDIU was granted due to his service-connected disabilities impacting his ability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.
- Claimed conditions
- Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) with degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis with degenerative arthritis (back disability), Radiculopathy of the left lower extremity of the sciatic nerve, Radiculopathy of the right lower extremity of the sciatic nerve, Radiculopathy of the left lower extremity of the femoral nerve, Radiculopathy of the right lower extremity of the femoral nerve
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- February 5, 2026
- Citation
- A26010798
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 A26010798.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remanded the Veteran's eligibility for enrollment in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers because the initial VA decision was conclusory and based on an incorrect interpretation of regulatory requirements for 'need for supervision, protection, or instruction.' A new medical opinion must be obtained that properly applies the correct statutory criteria and addresses how the Veteran's diagnoses affect daily functioning.
- Granted
The Board granted an earlier effective date of January 17, 2011, for the 40 percent rating for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity of the sciatic nerve.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.
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