Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2025

The Board remands the claims for a rating higher than 10 percent for spondylosis and strain of the thoracolumbar spine with a herniated disc, right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) to obtain additional evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for various service-connected conditions, but granted an effective date of June 20, 2016, for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability and eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance.

The claims for service connection for a cervical spine disorder and bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy/neuropathy are remanded to provide the Veteran with notice of her right to a pre-decisional hearing.

The claims for increased ratings for various radiculopathies in the lower extremities are remanded due to an inadequate VA examination.

The Board denied the claims for restoration of higher ratings and service connection for hypertension, finding that the evidence did not support an improvement in the Veteran's ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work.

The appeal for a separate compensable rating and higher rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy was withdrawn by the Veteran, leading to the dismissal of these claims.

The Board remands the claims for further evidentiary development, including obtaining outstanding VA and private treatment records.

The Board granted an initial rating of 40 percent from August 29, 2019, for left lower extremity sciatic neuritis and radiculopathy, and a 40 percent rating from May 7, 2012, for left lower extremity femoral radiculopathy.

The Board granted service connection for sciatic radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities, asthma (claimed as respiratory condition, lung condition, and chronic tussis/cough), and degenerative joint disease/osteoarthritis of the left knee. The claims for flare ups, limited extension, and limited flexion were denied. Several other claims were remanded.

The Board granted a 40% rating for bilateral lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy and TDIU, but denied increased ratings for the back condition, lumbar scar, and other hip conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and higher ratings, but granted a TDIU based on his combined service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, right and left hip disabilities, and right and left lower extremity radiculopathy as there is no evidence of a current disability.

The Board granted service connection for cervical spine degenerative joint disease, right upper extremity radiculopathy, left upper extremity radiculopathy, lumbar spine degenerative joint disease, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy but denied an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for eligibility for specially adapted housing is granted due to his service-connected disabilities affecting the function of balance and propulsion, precluding locomotion.

The Board denied service connection for an LLE disability, other than LLE radiculopathy and left knee arthritis, as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis of such a condition during the appeal period.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities, as he is shown to be employed fulltime as a police officer earning over $67,000 per year.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and other benefits, finding that his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings or additional benefits.

The Board remands the service connection claims for acne and acne scarring, lower back degenerative arthritis, temporomandibular disorder, feet conditions including plantar fasciitis, Morton's neuroma, and left side sciatica due to missing active-duty service treatment records.

The Board granted a 40 percent rating for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity effective February 18, 2021, and granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual employability (TDIU).

The Board granted a separate rating of 10 percent for left knee instability and denied a higher rating for the same condition, as well as service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The claims for service connection for nerve or radiculopathy conditions in both lower extremities were remanded.