Citation Nr: 21031831 Decision Date: 05/24/21 Archive Date: 05/24/21 DOCKET NO. 11-26 091 DATE: May 24, 2021 ORDER Entitlement to a rating in excess of 20 percent for right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve is denied. Entitlement to a rating in excess of 20 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve is denied. Entitlement to an initial compensable rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy of the external cutaneous nerve is denied. Entitlement to an initial compensable rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy of the external cutaneous nerve is denied. FINDINGS OF FACT 1. Throughout the appeal period, the most probative evidence of record demonstrates the Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve was manifested by symptoms productive of no more than moderate incomplete nerve paralysis. 2. Throughout the appeal period, the most probative evidence of record demonstrates the Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve was manifested by symptoms productive of no more than moderate incomplete nerve paralysis. 3. Throughout the appeal period, the most probative evidence of record demonstrates the Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy of the external cutaneous nerve was manifested by symptoms productive of no more than mild incomplete nerve paralysis. 4. Throughout the appeal period, the most probative evidence of record demonstrates the Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy of the external cutaneous nerve was manifested by symptoms productive of no more than mild incomplete nerve paralysis. CONCLUSIONS OF LAW 1. The criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent for right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve have not been met. 38 U.S.C. §§ 1155, 5107; 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.102, 4.1, 4.3, 4.7, 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8620. 2. The criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve have not been met. 38 U.S.C. §§ 1155, 5107; 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.102, 4.1, 4.3, 4.7, 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8620. 3. The criteria for an initial compensable rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy of the external cutaneous nerve have not been met. 38 U.S.C. §§ 1155, 5107; 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.102, 4.1, 4.3, 4.7, 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8629. 4. The criteria for an initial compensable rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy of the external cutaneous nerve have not been met. 38 U.S.C. §§ 1155, 5107; 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.102, 4.1, 4.3, 4.7, 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8629. REASONS AND BASES FOR FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS The Veteran had active service from January 1958 to January 1961 and from January 1961 to September 1978. These matters come before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) on appeal from an April 2009 rating decision of a Regional Office (RO) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The April 2009 rating decision, in pertinent part, granted an increased evaluation of 20 percent for left radiculopathy of L3-4, effective December 22, 2008, the date of the claim for increase. The rating decision indicated this disability was formally coded under Diagnostic Code 5293. However, Diagnostic Code 5293, for intervertebral disc syndrome, was revised effective September 23, 2002. See 67 Fed. Reg. 54,345 (Aug. 22, 2002). Thus, the disability was actually coded under Diagnostic Code 5237, for lumbosacral or cervical strain. Thus, this disability was, in reality, a low back disability. During the pendency of the appeal as to the Veteran's disagreement with the rating assigned for his low back disability, a December 2014 rating decision granted service connection for radiculopathy of the external cutaneous nerve of the right lower extremity and left lower extremity and assigned noncompensable ratings, each effective from December 22, 2008. A September 2015 rating decision also granted service connection for radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve of the right lower extremity and left lower extremity and assigned 20 percent ratings, each effective from May 13, 2015. This case was previously before the Board. Specifically, in July 2015, the Board, in part, remanded entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for left radiculopathy L3-4. In March 2017, the Board, in part, remanded entitlement to a rating in excess of 20 percent for a low back disability, to include left radiculopathy L3-4. In February 2018, the Board remanded entitlement to a rating in excess of 20 percent for a low back disorder, entitlement to increased initial ratings for radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve of the right lower extremity and left lower extremity, and entitlement to increased initial ratings for radiculopathy of the external cutaneous nerve of the right lower extremity and left lower extremity. In August 2019, the Board denied an increased rating for the Veteran's low back disability and remanded entitlement to increased ratings for radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve of the right lower extremity and left lower extremity, and entitlement to increased initial ratings for radiculopathy of the external cutaneous nerve of the right lower extremity and left lower extremity. These issues now return for appellate review. In May 2015, the Veteran presented testimony at a video conference hearing before the undersigned Veterans Law Judge. The hearing transcript is included with the claims file. The record also reflects on September 23, 2020, a letter was sent to the Veteran in error which indicated that he had requested a Travel Board hearing that had not yet been held and suggested that he consider a virtual tele-hearing as an alternative. However, as discussed above, a Board hearing was held in May 2015 and another hearing has not been requested as to the claims in this appeal. Increased Ratings Disability ratings are determined by applying the criteria set forth in VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities. The percentage ratings are based on the average impairment of earning capacity and individual disabilities are assigned separate diagnostic codes. 38 U.S.C. § 1155; 38 C.F.R. § 4.1. VA must consider whether to "stage" the rating, meaning assign different ratings at different times during the rating period to compensate the Veteran for times when the disability may have been more severe than at others. Consideration of the appropriateness of a staged rating is required for increased rating claims, irrespective of whether it is an initial rating at issue or instead an established rating. Fenderson v. West, 12 Vet. App. 119 (1999); Hart v. Mansfield, 21 Vet. App. 505 (2008). 1. Entitlement to a rating in excess of 20 percent for right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve 2. Entitlement to a rating in excess of 20 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve 3. Entitlement to an initial compensable rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy of the external cutaneous nerve 4. Entitlement to an initial compensable rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy of the external cutaneous nerve The Veteran contends he is entitled to higher initial ratings for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity and the left lower extremity. Specifically, in a July 2019 informal hearing presentation, the Veteran's representative reported the Veteran had flare-ups warranting increased ratings for each disability. As discussed above, service connection for the Veteran's radiculopathy of the external cutaneous nerve of the right lower extremity and left lower extremity have been awarded effective from December 22, 2008 and his radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve of the right lower extremity and left lower extremity have been awarded effective from May 13, 2015. However, service connection for these disabilities were granted as part and parcel of the Veteran's informal claim for increase for his low back disability, received by VA on December 22, 2008. Thus, the rating period for consideration on appeal is from one year prior to the date of receipt of the claim for increase, if it is factually ascertainable that an increase occurred during that period. Throughout the appeal period, the Veteran's bilateral radiculopathy of the external cutaneous nerve has been rated under is Diagnostic Code 8629 and his bilateral radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve has been rated under is Diagnostic Code 8620. Legal Criteria Paralysis of the external cutaneous nerve is evaluated in accordance with the criteria set forth in 38 C.F.R. § 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8529. (Neuritis and neuralgia of that group are evaluated under Diagnostic Codes 8629 and 8729. Under these criteria, mild to moderate paralysis is rated as noncompensable. Moderate to complete paralysis is rated as 10 percent disabling. 38 C.F.R. § 4.124a. Paralysis of the sciatic nerve is evaluated in accordance with the criteria set forth in 38 C.F.R. § 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8520. (Neuritis and neuralgia of that group are evaluated under Diagnostic Codes 8620 and 8720). Under these criteria, mild incomplete paralysis is rated as 10 percent disabling. Moderate incomplete paralysis is rated as 20 percent disabling. Moderately severe incomplete paralysis is rated as 40 percent disabling. Severe incomplete paralysis, with marked muscular atrophy is rated as 60 percent disabling. Complete paralysis, with the foot dangles and drops, no active movement possible of muscles below the knee, flexion of knee weakened or (very rarely) lost is rated as 80 percent disabling. 38 C.F.R. § 4.124a. The words "mild," "moderate," and "severe" as used in the various Diagnostic Codes are not defined in the Rating Schedule. Regulations provide that ratings for peripheral neurological disorders are to be assigned based the relative impairment of motor function, trophic changes, or sensory disturbance. 38 C.F.R. § 4.120. Consideration is also given for loss of reflexes, pain, and muscle atrophy. See 38 C.F.R. §§ 4.123, 4.124. The term "incomplete paralysis" indicates a degree of lost or impaired function substantially less than the type picture for complete paralysis given with each nerve, whether due to varied level of the nerve lesion or to partial regeneration. When the involvement is wholly sensory, the rating is for the mild, or at most, the moderate degree. The disability ratings for the peripheral nerves are for unilateral involvement; when bilateral, the ratings combine with application of the bilateral factor. 38 C.F.R. § 4.124a, Note at "Diseases of the Peripheral Nerves." The Note to 38 C.F.R. § 4.124a establishes a maximum disability rating for conditions that are wholly sensory, as opposed to a minimum disability rating for conditions that are more than wholly sensory. See Miller v. Shulkin, 28 Vet. App. 376 (2017). In rating peripheral nerve disability, neuritis, characterized by loss of reflexes, muscle atrophy, sensory disturbances, and constant pain, at times excruciating, is to be rated on the scale provided for injury of the nerve involved, with a maximum equal to severe, incomplete paralysis. The maximum rating to be assigned for neuritis not characterized by organic changes referred to in this section will be that for moderate incomplete paralysis, or with sciatic nerve involvement, for moderately severe incomplete paralysis. 38 C.F.R. § 4.123. Neuralgia, cranial or peripheral, characterized usually by a dull and intermittent pain, of typical distribution so as to identify the nerve, can receive a maximum rating of moderate incomplete paralysis, except for tic douloureux or trifacial neuralgia, which may be rated up to complete paralysis. 38 C.F.R. § 4.124. Right and Left Radiculopathy of the External Cutaneous Nerve The Veteran's symptomology related to his right and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the external cutaneous nerve was not productive a compensable rating at any point during the appeal period. In this regard, the only evidence of a disability of the Veteran's external cutaneous nerve of either lower extremity was provided by the March 2009 VA examiner. The March 2009 VA examiner documented the Veteran had sensory deficit and found the most likely peripheral nerve was the external cutaneous nerve of the thigh but did not characterize this finding further. Additionally, the Veteran's VA treatment records do not reflect any chronic findings of right or left lower extremity radiculopathy of the external cutaneous nerve. For example, a July 2009 VA treatment record documented, as to the Veteran's extremities, he had no pedal edema or ulcer. An April 2010 VA treatment record generally noted the Veteran's peripheral nervous system was negative, and as to his extremities, no gross lesions were identified. An August 2014 VA treatment record documented that the Veteran complained of lumbar discomfort with no radiation into the legs. Regarding impairment of motor functions, a January 2010 VA treatment record documented, as to the Veteran's neurologic system, his gait and station were normal. A July 2014 VA treatment record, noted as to the Veteran's extremities, he had pain on extension; however, the record does not further identify the etiology of this pain. Regarding loss of reflexes, the March 2009 VA examiner found the Veteran's deep tendon reflexes revealed normal knee jerk and ankle jerk, bilaterally. Regarding sensory disturbance, the March 2009 VA examiner documented the Veteran had a sensory deficit of bilateral inner knees and bilateral medial leg. Additionally, a December 2012 VA treatment record documented the Veteran had left knee pain but also found the Veteran denied numbness or tingling to the left lower extremity. Similarly, an August 2014 VA treatment record also documented a sensory examination of the Veteran's lower extremities (L3, 4, 5, S1) did not detect any abnormalities, and superficial touch, pain and deep pressure was normal. Regarding pain, during the March 2009 VA examination, in the context of his low back claim, the Veteran generally reported pain described as burning, aching, sharp and cramping and these symptoms were reiterated by his representative in a November 2014 VA Form 646, Statement of Accredited Representative in Appealed Case. However, the Veteran's description of pain during March 2009 VA examination was provided in the context of his back pain as the examination report also discussed the Veteran reported pain in the low back which occurred constantly, traveled all though the back and that the pain was burning, aching, sharp and cramping. Thus, the Veteran's description of pain during the March 2009 VA examination was not provided in the context of his radiculopathy. Additionally, there is no evidence of muscle atrophy and trophic changes. Based on the above, the Board finds that the Veteran's right and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the external cutaneous nerve is primarily manifested by sensory disturbance, as noted by the March 2009 VA examiner, and finds that the level of impairment is most analogous mild incomplete paralysis. Thus, application of Diagnostic Code 8529 would not result in a higher rating as symptomology productive of severe to complete paralysis was not shown. Also, in terms of neuritis, under which the Veteran's disability is currently rated pursuant to Diagnostic Code 8629 and 38 C.F.R. § 4.123, and as to sensory disturbance, the March 2009 VA examiner found the Veteran had a sensory deficit of his bilateral inner knees and bilateral medial legs. As to pain, as discussed above, during the March 2009 VA examination, the Veteran only reported pain in the context of his low back claim. There is also no indication that the Veteran had muscle atrophy or loss of reflexes for either lower extremity. Thus, a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 8629 is not warranted. In terms of neuralgia, pursuant to Diagnostic Code 8729 and 38 C.F.R. § 4.124, there is no indication that the Veteran had dull or intermittent pain, thus, a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 8729 is not warranted. The award of service connection for radiculopathy of the external cutaneous nerve of the right lower extremity and radiculopathy of the external cutaneous nerve of the left lower extremity, as discussed above, has been granted effective December 22, 2008 and arose out of the Veteran's informal claim for increase for his low back disability, received by VA on December 22, 2008. As radiculopathy of the external cutaneous nerve is a manifestation of the Veteran's service-connected low back disability, the Board has considered if an earlier effective date may be granted on the date of a factually ascertainable increase in symptoms, if such increase occurred within the one-year period preceding the date of the claim, and finds that it was not factually ascertainable. The evidence of record within the one-year period preceding the date of the December 22, 2008 claim does not support a finding that the Veteran was diagnosed with radiculopathy of either extremity within this period. Instead, the only evidence of a disability of radiculopathy of the external cutaneous nerve for either lower extremity was provided by the March 2009 VA examiner, which is later than the currently assigned effective date for the award of service connection for these disabilities. Accordingly, an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for radiculopathy of the external cutaneous nerve for either lower extremity is not warranted. For the foregoing reasons, the preponderance of the evidence is against initial compensable ratings radiculopathy of the right or left lower extremity of the external cutaneous nerve. Right and Left Radiculopathy of the Sciatic Nerve The Veteran's symptomology related to his right and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve was not productive a higher rating at any point during the appeal period. In this regard, an August 2015 VA examiner found the Veteran's radiculopathy of left lower extremity and right lower extremity, was currently quiescent but did not identify the affected nerve roots. However, in an addendum opinion, the August 2015 VA examiner documented the Veteran bilateral radiculopathy was of the sciatic nerve for each lower extremity. Also, January 2016 and June 2017 VA examiners found the Veteran had lumbar radiculopathy of the left sciatic nerve, which was characterized as mild incomplete paralysis and moderate incomplete paralysis, respectively. A June 2018 VA examiner found the Veteran did not have radicular pain or any other signs or symptoms due to radiculopathy. A February 2020 VA examiner noted the Veteran had prior diagnoses of right and left lower radiculopathy of the sciatica nerve and right and left lower radiculopathy of the external cutaneous nerve but found the Veteran did not have any symptoms attributable to any peripheral nerve conditions. Regarding impairment of motor functions, a June 2016 VA treatment record documented, in part, as to the Veteran's mobility, he had normal use of his extremities and a steady gait. A February 2019 VA treatment record documented as to a mobility assessment, the Veteran had no problems, he had a steady balance/gait and full use of his right lower extremity and left lower extremity. Additionally, the August 2015, January 2016 and February 2020 VA examiners found the Veteran's gait was normal. As to muscle strength testing, the August 2015, January 2016 and February 2020 VA examiners found, the Veteran had normal strength as knee extension, ankle plantar flexion, and ankle dorsiflexion, bilaterally. Similarly, June 2017 and June 2018 VA examiners found the Veteran had normal strength as to hip flexion, knee extension, ankle plantar extension, ankle dorsiflexion, great toe extension, bilaterally. Regarding loss of reflexes January 2016, June 2017, June 2018 VA examiners found the Veteran's deep tendon reflexes revealed normal knee jerk and ankle jerk, bilaterally. An August 2015 VA examiner found the Veteran's deep tendon reflexes revealed normal knee jerk and hypoactive ankle jerk, bilaterally. A February 2020 VA examiner found the Veteran's deep tendon reflexes revealed absent knee jerk and ankle jerk, bilaterally. However, there is no indication that the Veteran had muscle atrophy. Indeed, regarding muscle atrophy, August 2015, January 2016, June 2017, June 2018 and February 2020 VA examiners found the Veteran did not have muscle atrophy, nor is such otherwise reflected in the record. Regarding trophic changes, the August 2015, January 2016 and February 2020 VA examiners found the Veteran did not have any trophic changes (characterized by loss of extremity hair, smooth, shiny skin, etc.) attributable to peripheral neuropathy, nor is such otherwise reflected in the record. Regarding sensory disturbance, a September 2016 VA treatment record, documented, in part, as to the Veteran's neurological system, there was no weakness or numbness. Also, in May 2015 testimony, the Veteran reported numbness down his legs in certain circumstances. Additionally, the August 2015, January 2016, June 2018, and February 2020 VA examiners also documented, as to sensation to light touch (dermatome) testing, the upper anterior thigh (L2), thigh/knee (L3/4), lower leg/ankle (L4/L5/S1) and foot/toes (L5) were all normal bilaterally. A June 2017 VA examiner documented, as to sensation to light touch (dermatome) testing, the upper anterior thigh (L2), thigh/knee (L3/4), lower leg/ankle (L4/L5/S1) and foot/toes (L5) were all normal for the right side and decreased for the left side. Also, an August 2015 VA examiner also found, as to each lower extremity, the Veteran had moderate constant pain (may be excruciating at times), moderate intermittent pain (usually dull), and mild numbness. However, the August 2015 VA examiner found the Veteran did not have paresthesias and/or dysesthesias of either lower extremity. A January 2016 VA examiner found, as to the Veteran's left lower extremity, he had moderate intermittent pain (usually dull), moderate paresthesias and/or dysesthesias and moderate numbness. A June 2017 VA examiner also found, as to the Veteran's lower extremity, he had moderate constant pain (may be excruciating at times), mild paresthesias and/dysesthesias, and moderate numbness but did not have intermittent pain (usually dull). The June 2017 VA examiner also found, as to his right extremity, the Veteran did not have constant pain (may be excruciating at times), paresthesias and/dysesthesias, numbness or intermittent pain (usually dull). Also, during the August 2015 examination, the Veteran reported bilateral leg pain and during the January 2016 VA examination, the Veteran reported off and on pain down his left lower extremity. Based on the above, the Board finds that the Veteran's right and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve was primarily manifested by sensory disturbance, to include pain, paresthesias and/or dysesthesias, and/or numbness, and finds that the level of impairment is most analogous, to at worst, moderate incomplete paralysis for each lower extremity. Specifically, throughout the appeal period, the August 2015 VA examiner, the only VA examiner who documented symptomology of the Veteran's radiculopathy of the right sciatic nerve, endorsed findings of moderate constant pain (may be excruciating at times), moderate intermittent pain (usually dull), and mild numbness. Thus, while the August 2015 VA examiner did not quantify the Veteran's radiculopathy of the right sciatic nerve overall, such individual findings are consistent with the currently assigned 20 percent rating, for moderate incomplete paralysis, and thus, application of Diagnostic Code 8520 would not result in a higher rating. Similarly, throughout the appeal period, the August 2015 and January 2016 VA examiners, in combination, documented as to the Veteran's left radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, at worst, he had moderate constant pain (may be excruciating at times), moderate intermittent pain (usually dull), moderate paresthesias and/or dysesthesias, and moderate numbness, and these individual findings are consistent with the currently assigned 20 percent rating, for moderate incomplete paralysis, and thus, application of Diagnostic Code 8520 would not result in a higher rating. Further, the January 2016 VA examiner, the only VA examiner to quantify the Veteran's radiculopathy of the left sciatic nerve overall, found it was consistent with mild incomplete paralysis, which is not indicative of a higher rating. Further, the June 2018 and February 2020 VA examiners generally found the Veteran did not have any symptoms attributable to any peripheral nerve conditions for either lower extremity, which is not indicative of a higher rating. Thus, a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 8520 is not warranted for either lower extremity. Also, in terms of neuritis, under which the Veteran's disability is currently rated pursuant to Diagnostic Code 8620 and 38 C.F.R. § 4.123, an August 2015 VA examiner found the Veteran's deep tendon reflexes revealed normal knee jerk and hypoactive ankle jerk, bilaterally, and a February 2020 VA examiner found the Veteran's deep tendon reflexes revealed absent knee jerk and ankle jerk, bilaterally. However, contrary to these findings, the January 2016, June 2017, September 2018 VA examiners found the Veteran's deep tendon reflexes revealed normal knee jerk and ankle jerk, bilaterally. Further, as to constant pain, this was only documented by the August 2015 VA examiner, and was characterized as moderate, which consistent with the currently assigned 20 percent evaluation. As to sensory disturbance, numbness was shown to be mild as to the right sciatic nerve and, at worst, moderate as to the left sciatic nerve. Also, as to the Veteran's left sciatic nerve he also had moderate paresthesias and/or dysesthesias. Sensation testing for light touch was characterized as normal by the August 2015, January 2016 and February 2020 VA examiners. These sensory related findings support the currently assigned 20 percent evaluation for each lower extremity. There is no indication that the Veteran had muscle atrophy for lower extremity nor was such endorsed by the August 2015, January 2016 or February 2020 VA examiners. Thus, higher rating under Diagnostic Code 8620 is not warranted. In terms of neuralgia, pursuant to Diagnostic Code 8720 and 38 C.F.R. § 4.124, the August 2015 and January 2016 VA examiners, in combination, documented as to the Veteran's bilateral radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, at worst, he had moderate intermittent pain (usually dull), which is consistent with currently assigned 20 percent rating for each lower extremity, and thus, a higher rating is not warranted. The award of service connection for radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve of the right lower extremity and left lower extremity, as discussed above, arose out of the Veteran's informal claim for increase for his low back disability, received by VA on December 22, 2008. Service connection for a sciatic nerve disability of each lower extremity has been awarded with an effective date of May 13, 2015 in each case. This date corresponds to the Veteran's May 13, 2015 testimony reporting numbness down his legs in certain circumstances and an application for benefits, also received on May 13, 2015, which included claims for radiculopathy. The evidence of record prior to May 13, 2015, including within the one-year period preceding the date of the December 22, 2008 claim for an increased rating for a low back disability, does not support a finding that the Veteran was diagnosed with radiculopathy of either extremity within this period. Service connection for a bilateral sciatic nerve disability has been granted effective May 13, 2015, a date which corresponds to the Veteran's May 13, 2015 testimony reporting numbness down his legs in certain circumstances. A bilateral disability of the sciatic nerve was later confirmed in an August 2015 VA addendum opinion. There is no evidence of a sciatic nerve disability of either lower extremity prior to May 13, 2015. Accordingly, the later of the date of claim (December 22, 2008) and the date that entitlement arose (May 13, 2015 based on the Veteran's testimony - which was subsequently confirmed by an August 2015 VA examiner in an addendum opinion) is May 13, 2015; thus, May 13, 2015 is the proper effective date for a sciatic nerve disability of each lower extremity. 38 U.S.C. § 5110 (a); 38 C.F.R. § 3.400. For the foregoing reasons, the preponderance of the evidence is against ratings in excess of 20 percent for radiculopathy of the right or left lower extremity of the sciatic nerve. Other Considerations The Board has considered all other potentially applicable Diagnostic Codes, but there is no evidence showing the Veteran has neurological impairment associated with any other peripheral nerves. In this case, the Veteran's radiculopathy of his right lower extremity and left lower extremity are disabilities of the external cutaneous nerve and of the sciatic nerve, based on findings of the VA examiners and the other evidence of record. See Copeland v. McDonald, 27 Vet. App. 333 (2015). Therefore, a separate or higher rating under a different Diagnostic Code is not warranted. Further, while the Veteran is competent to report symptomatology that he experienced, including pain, numbness, and flare-ups, he has not shown that he has the medical experience or training to identify a specific level of disability of his radiculopathy of his right lower extremity and left lower extremity, for the external cutaneous nerve, or of the sciatic nerve, according to the rating criteria, which is a medically complex determination that cannot be based on lay observation alone. See Jandreau v. Nicholson, 492 F.3d 1372, 1376-77 (Fed. Cir. 2007). Such competent evidence concerning the nature and extent of the Veteran's right and left lower extremity radiculopathy has been provided by the VA examiners who have objectively examined him as well as the clinical evidence of record, and these medical findings directly address the criteria under which the Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy are evaluated. The Board finds these clinical records to be competent, objective, and probative evidence of record, and are therefore accorded greater weight than the Veteran's subjective complaints of symptomatology for his right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy. Additionally, neither the Veteran nor his representative has raised any other issues, nor have any other issues been reasonably raised by the record with his respect to his right lower extremity radiculopathy or left lower extremity radiculopathy. See Doucette v. Shulkin, 28 Vet. App. 366 (2017). In conclusion, the Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against the Veteran's claims for initial compensable rating for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the external cutaneous nerve and ratings in excess of 20 percent for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve. In denying higher ratings, the Board finds the benefit of the doubt doctrine is not applicable. 38 U.S.C. § 5107; 38 C.F.R. §§ 4.3, 4.7; Gilbert v. Derwinski, 1 Vet. App. 49, 53 (1990). ROBERT C. SCHARNBERGER Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans' Appeals Attorney for the Board M. Espinoza, Counsel The Board's decision in this case is binding only with respect to the instant matter decided. This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.