Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2024

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, all of a common etiology, have rendered him unemployable from performing all forms of substantially gainful employment that are consistent with his education and occupational experience since April 3, 2021. The Board is granting TDIU effective April 3, 2021, but remanding the issues for further development.

The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve group was granted a 40 percent rating effective September 2, 2020.,The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy of the femoral nerve branch (Anterior Crural and Internal Saphenous Nerves) is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have increased in severity since the last VA examinations. The Board has decided to remand these issues for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for rectal sphincter impairment, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy (RLE and LLE), and voiding dysfunction associated with his lumbar spine disability have been denied. The current ratings are considered appropriate.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his lumbar spine disability and radiculopathy of the lower extremities has been denied. The case is being remanded to consider a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).