Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2025

The Board remands the claims for service connection for cervical spine strain, lumbar spine strain, right upper extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy to obtain additional evidence regarding the Veteran's active duty service.

The Board restored the 20 percent ratings for thoracolumbar spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy affecting femoral and sciatic nerves, denied service connection for GERD and IBS, and remanded the claim for obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's service connection for atrial fibrillation was granted as secondary to his service-connected Reiter's syndrome. The ratings for the left lower extremity radiculopathies were increased, and some claims were denied or remanded.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, but granted a 40 percent rating for right upper extremity radiculopathy.

The Board granted service connection for a cervical spine disability and radiculopathy of the right upper extremity, but remanded an increased rating claim for a right knee disability.

The Board remands the matter for a new VA examination to determine whether the Veteran has a diagnosis of radiculopathy of the right lower extremity and, if so, whether it is caused or aggravated by his service-connected low back disability.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection and increased ratings, as well as a reopened claim for tinnitus, among other issues.

The appeal is dismissed as the Veteran did not express disagreement with any issue decided by the AOJ within the prior year.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and denied service connection for additional claimed conditions.

The Board denied a rating greater than 30 percent for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder but granted increased ratings of 20 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy and bilateral dry eye syndrome.

The Board remands the matter for additional evidence and an addendum VA examination to address the severity of the sciatic nerve and whether a separate rating is warranted.

The Board granted an initial rating of 40 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy, sciatic nerve and denied ratings in excess of 40 percent for lumbosacral strain with intervertebral disc syndrome and bulging disc of the lumbar spine (lumbosacral strain with IVDS) and a disability rating higher than 70 percent for adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood.

The Board remands the claims for an earlier effective date and a higher rating for right upper extremity radiculopathy - middle radicular group to obtain a medical opinion on when symptoms of cervical radiculopathy first manifested.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection for lumbar strain, cervical strain, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and left upper extremity radiculopathy.

The Board granted the restoration of a 40 percent rating for the Veteran's spine disability, effective July 13, 2021, and denied increased ratings for other conditions.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for asthma, degenerative joint disease, right lower extremity radiculopathy, dermatitis, and hearing loss due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error in not obtaining all relevant service records.

The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and bilateral hearing loss, while denying service connection for the residuals of a right-hand cyst removal. The claims for other conditions were remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lumbar spine, neck, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathies, have resulted in a need for regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting special monthly compensation at the (l) rate.

The appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was dismissed, while the claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities were granted. The other claims were remanded.

The Board granted a 40 percent rating for thoracolumbar strain and right lower extremity radiculopathy, but denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).