The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's lower back disability, sciatic nerve radiculopathy of both lower extremities, and internal and external cutaneous nerve radiculopathies. However, it granted restoration of a 40 percent rating for sciatic nerve radiculopathy in both lower extremities from April 1, 2020, and awarded TDIU effective February 1, 2019.

The deciding factor: The decision was based on the evidence not reflecting actual improvement under ordinary conditions of life, and the Veteran's service-connected disabilities precluded him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

Claimed conditions

Degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome, Sciatic nerve radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, Sciatic nerve radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, Internal saphenous nerve radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, Internal saphenous nerve radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, External cutaneous nerve radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, External cutaneous nerve radiculopathy of the right lower extremity

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

March 5, 2025

Citation

A25020513

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