Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2025

The Board granted ratings of 70 percent for major depressive disorder and 40 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, while denying higher ratings for sleep apnea with COPD and chronic headaches. TDIU was granted based on the service-connected major depressive disorder.

The veteran withdrew all appeals, and the Board has no jurisdiction to review them.

The Veteran was granted initial ratings of 40 percent for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, and 20 percent each for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, sciatic nerve. An effective date of January 19, 2013, was also granted for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board denied the claims for an increased rating and service connection, but remanded certain issues for further development.

The Board remands the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings and an earlier effective date, as well as a TDIU claim, due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need for new examinations.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date, a higher initial rating for his mental health condition, and increased ratings for his right ankle, back, and nerve conditions.

The Board granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the right ankle with soft tissue swelling, and for radiculopathy in both lower extremities due to a service-connected back disability. The Veteran was also granted an increased rating of 40 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine.

The Board granted an effective date of May 1, 2023 for the grant of service connection of radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, femoral nerve.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings, as well as remanded certain issues for further development.

The Board granted higher ratings for the Veteran's service-connected neck, right and left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, right and left upper extremity radiculopathy, left hip (extension, flexion, abduction), right hip (extension, flexion, abduction), left knee (flexion), right knee (flexion), and left ankle (dorsiflexion, plantar flexion) disabilities, but denied higher ratings for the Veteran's service-connected low back disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased initial rating and service connection for radiculopathy, left lower extremity.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date, a higher initial rating for his mental health condition, and increased ratings for his right ankle, back, and nerve conditions.

The Board remands the claims for further development and readjudication by the AOJ.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, as well as remanded several other claims.

The Board remands the claim for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for lumbar radiculopathy of the left lower extremity prior to September 6, 2023, as a medical opinion is necessary to determine the severity of the Veteran's condition.

The Board remands the issues of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for thoracolumbar spondylosis and degenerative disc disease, service connection for a skin condition, and TDIU due to insufficient evidence.

The Board granted service connection for a right shoulder disability, back disability, and related secondary conditions based on in-service injuries.

The Board denied various claims for increased ratings and effective dates, but granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from September 7, 2021.

The Board remands the claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU to correct a duty to assist error, specifically related to VA treatment records that were not properly associated with the claims file.

The Board granted service connection for tinnitus, but remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, sinusitis, lumbar spine disability, and lower extremity radiculopathy for further development.