The Board granted a 40 percent rating for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, sciatic nerve, restored the 40 percent rating for lumbar spine disability, and granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The deciding factor: The reduction in the lumbar spine disability rating was improper as there was no improvement in the Veteran's ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work. The evidence supported higher ratings for radiculopathy involving the femoral nerve, but not for a higher rating for the sciatic nerve.

Claimed conditions

right lower extremity radiculopathy, femoral nerve, left lower extremity radiculopathy, femoral nerve, lumbar spine disability (sciatic nerve), lumbar spine disability (femoral nerve), lumbar spine scars, total disability rating based on individual unemployability

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

December 10, 2025

Citation

A25106516

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