The Veteran's initial and increased ratings for right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy and thoracolumbar spine disorder are granted. However, the issues of service connection for fibromyalgia, TDIU prior to April 3, 2018, and SMC based on aid and attendance are remanded.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy is rated at 20 percent since December 27, 2011. The thoracolumbar spine disorder is rated at 20 percent since May 29, 2014.
- Claimed conditions
- right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy, thoracolumbar spine disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 9, 2024
- Citation
- 24033998
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 24033998.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, shin splints of the right and left lower extremities, multiple sclerosis (MS), thoracolumbar spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, left elbow disorder, left knee disorder, migraine headaches, and right knee disorder are dismissed.
- Granted
The Board has granted earlier effective dates of February 24, 2023 for the Veteran's 20% ratings for left and right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy and his entitlement to TDIU.
- Granted
The Board has restored the Veteran's original disability ratings of 40 percent for his right and left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy, effective April 1, 2021.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation throughout the appeal period, and therefore, his claim for TDIU is denied.
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