The Board granted a 40 percent evaluation for sciatic nerve radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities, a 30 percent evaluation for femoral nerve radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities, and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU), but denied an increased evaluation in excess of 40 percent for spinal stenosis and lumbar intervertebral disc syndrome.

The deciding factor: The decision was based on the evidence showing moderately severe incomplete paralysis for the sciatic nerve radiculopathy and severe incomplete paralysis for the femoral nerve radiculopathy, as well as the Veteran's inability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

Claimed conditions

spinal stenosis and lumbar intervertebral disc syndrome, degenerative disc disease with lumbosacral strain, spondylosis, generalized osteoporosis, sciatic nerve radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, sciatic nerve radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, femoral nerve radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, femoral nerve radiculopathy of the left lower extremity

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

40%

Decision date

December 8, 2025

Citation

A25105296

Want to see how appeals like this one tend to go? Appeals like mine