The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left sciatic nerve is currently rated at 20 percent, and his right lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 10 percent. The effective dates for TDIU and DEA benefits are October 21, 2015.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left sciatic nerve was found to be manifested by moderate incomplete paralysis, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under DC 8520. The right lower extremity radiculopathy was found to be manifested by mild incomplete paralysis, also not meeting the criteria for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Radiculopathy of the left sciatic nerve, Radiculopathy of the right sciatic nerve
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 27, 2026
- Citation
- A26038894
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation A26038894.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve is granted, with an effective date of June 1, 2018.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted an effective date of June 29, 2023 for the grant of service connection for degenerative arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome and radiculopathy of the left sciatic nerve.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied a disability rating greater than 20 percent for radiculopathy of the left sciatic nerve and femoral nerve, finding that the evidence did not support moderate or severe incomplete paralysis.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's lumbar spine and sciatic nerve disabilities, granted a 30 percent rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), and granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine.
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