The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted for the entire period on appeal.,For the entire period on appeal, a disability rating of 40 percent is granted for right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve associated with lumbar spine fusion, L3-L4 and L5-S1.,Prior to June 13, 2023, a disability rating of 40 percent is granted for left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve associated with lumbar spine fusion, L3-L4 and L5-S1. From June 13, 2023, no higher rating is granted.,From June 13, 2023, a disability rating higher than 40 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve associated with lumbar spine fusion, L3-L4 and L5-S1 is denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence supports that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.,For the entire period on appeal, the evidence is at least in approximate balance as to whether the Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve associated with lumbar spine fusion, L3-L4 and L5-S1 manifested as moderately severe incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.,Prior to June 13, 2023, the evidence is at least in approximate balance as to whether the Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve associated with lumbar spine fusion, L3-L4 and L5-S1 manifested as moderately severe incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.,From June 13, 2023, the evidence more nearly approximates moderately severe incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.
- Claimed conditions
- Right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve associated with lumbar spine fusion, L3-L4 and L5-S1, Left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve associated with lumbar spine fusion, L3-L4 and L5-S1, Major depressive disorder with anxious distress
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 19, 2026
- Citation
- A26024815
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 A26024815.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's major depressive disorder with anxious distress is rated at 30 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, particularly PTSD. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions and related stressors.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error where VA was aware of relevant private treatment records but did not notify the appellant or request a release for these records.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder with anxious distress was granted effective October 29, 2019. He is currently receiving a 70% disability rating.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.