The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right lower extremity (posterior tibial nerve) is rated at 10 percent and denied an increased rating.,The Veteran's neuropathy of the right lower extremity (internal saphenous nerve) is rated at noncompensable and denied an initial compensable rating.,The Veteran's right foot contusion injury residuals are rated at 20 percent and granted a higher 40 percent rating.,The Veteran's COPD has not been increased to meet the criteria for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support an increase in disability ratings beyond the current assigned levels, as there is no medical documentation indicating that the Veteran's radiculopathy or neuropathy of the right lower extremity have progressed to moderate incomplete paralysis or severe to complete paralysis respectively. The VA examination reports indicate mild symptoms and a normal gait.,The evidence does not support an increase in disability ratings beyond the current assigned levels, as there is no medical documentation indicating that the Veteran's neuropathy of the internal saphenous nerve has progressed to severe to complete paralysis. The VA examination report indicates incomplete paralysis but no muscle atrophy or significant impairment.,The evidence supports a higher rating for right foot contusion injury residuals due to progression in symptoms and functional limitations, warranting an increased rating to 40 percent.,The Veteran's COPD has not been shown to have more nearly approximated the criteria for a higher rating based on FEV-1 or FEV-1/FVC percentages.
- Claimed conditions
- Radiculopathy of the right lower extremity (posterior tibial nerve), Neuropathy of the right lower extremity (internal saphenous nerve), Right foot contusion injury residuals, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 26, 2026
- Citation
- A26017802
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 A26017802.
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