Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2025

The appeal for earlier effective dates for the grants of service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy was dismissed as the issues were not adjudicated in the April 2023 rating decision.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for service-connected left lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral and sciatic nerves) as freestanding claims, which are not permissible under law.

The Board remands the claims for a higher disability rating for lumbosacral strain and sciatic radiculopathy of the left lower extremity due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Board granted service connection for lumbosacral strain and left lower extremity radiculopathy, but remanded the claims for other lumbar spine disabilities, sinus disability, left knee disability, bilateral foot disability, left shoulder disability, and a compensable evaluation for a left arm wrist burn.

The Board denied a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD prior to February 26, 2020, and denied increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, low back disability, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, right knee disability, and left knee disability. The Board granted a separate evaluation of 20 percent for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity from February 14, 2020, and separate evaluations of 10 percent for instability and limitation of extension in both knees starting on specific dates.

The Board granted an effective date of March 31, 2016, for the award of TDIU based on a finding that the Veteran detrimentally relied on misleading VA communications.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on loss of use of the bilateral lower extremities, finding that the evidence did not support a determination that he lost the use of both legs prior to October 29, 2019.

The Board granted service connection for vertigo as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected tinnitus and dismissed the appeal for sleep apnea. The claims for a cervical spine disability and bilateral radiculopathy were remanded.

The Board granted a rating of 40 percent for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy from May 15, 2024, but denied ratings in excess of 20 percent prior to that date.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, right shoulder disability, right knee disability, degenerative changes of the thoracolumbar spine, degenerative changes of the cervical spine, right upper extremity radiculopathy, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus as there was no evidence to support a current diagnosis or a link to active service.

The Board remands the claims for further development to obtain a more detailed medical examination of the Veteran's bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's right and left lower extremity radiculopathy were granted a 10 percent rating from December 30, 2022 to May 21, 2024.

The Board remands the appeal to obtain a more adequate medical examination and opinion regarding the severity of the Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy without the alleviating effects of his medications.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for a left ankle disability, right knee strain, and bilateral lower extremity sciatica due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Board granted service connection for cervical spondylosis with left radiculopathy, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in the need for regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation.

The Board granted service connection for back disability, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, and migraines. The effective date for erectile dysfunction and special monthly compensation was also granted.

The Board denied service connection for lumbosacral strain and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, finding no evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service or a service-connected disability.

The Board denied initial 20 percent ratings prior to November 7, 2019 for service-connected right and left lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities due to the evidence showing no more than mild incomplete paralysis.

The Board denied initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for various radiculopathies affecting the lower extremities, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating.