Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2025

The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board denied an initial rating higher than 10 percent for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, as the Veteran's symptoms were comparable to mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.

The Board remands the claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for cervical spine degenerative arthritis with herniated disc and spinal stenosis, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and right upper extremity radiculopathy, as well as entitlement to special monthly compensation at the housebound rate, due to pre-decisional duty-to-assist errors.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for tension headaches, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), radiculopathy right lower extremity, and tinnitus due to pre-decisional duty-to-assist errors.

The Board denied increased ratings for right and left lower extremity diabetic neuropathy and radiculopathy, but remanded the case to obtain additional evidence regarding a claim for total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board granted a 30 percent evaluation for the service-connected sinusitis for the entire appellate period prior to April 5, 2021, and denied an increased rating for the lumbar spine disorder. The other claims were remanded.

The Board granted a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's left knee instability prior to July 23, 2024, and denied a higher rating from that date. The decision also remanded several other claims related to lower extremity radiculopathy and TDIU.

The Board granted a 70 percent initial evaluation for PTSD and a 60 percent evaluation for right lower extremity sciatica, while denying an increased evaluation for valvular heart disease prior to December 11, 2021.

The Board granted an initial rating of 20 percent for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, but remanded other claims including TDIU and DEA eligibility.

The Board remands the claims for increased ratings for a cervical spine disability, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and neck scar due to insufficient medical evidence.

The Board granted increased ratings of 40 percent for the Veteran's left and right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy from December 16, 2023, to present, but denied increased ratings in excess of 10 percent prior to that date.

The Board denied ratings in excess of 10 percent for cervical spine spondylosis and lumbar spine disability, granted a 10 percent rating from May 25, 2022 to May 25, 2023 for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, and denied a rating in excess of 10 percent from May 25, 2023. The Board also remanded claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for chronic sinusitis and a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board granted eligibility for attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in a February 2024 rating decision, as it pertains to awards of higher ratings for the Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and bilateral hallux valgus. The appeal was denied with respect to service connection for bilateral lower sciatic radiculopathy.

The Board granted a disability rating of 40 percent for the service-connected thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis, IVDS and a 50 percent rating for the right foot pes planus with right 5th tarsometatarsal joint arthritis combined with left foot plantar fasciitis from December 10, 2016.

The Board remands the claim for an initial disability rating higher than 20 percent for radiculopathy of sciatic nerve of the right lower extremity to obtain outstanding VA treatment records and a new VA examination.

The Board remands the issues of entitlement to service connection for left lower extremity and right lower extremity radiculopathy, hypertension, and a right shoulder condition due to inadequate VA opinions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that the evidence did not support a rating higher than 10 percent.

The Board remands the claim for a right lower extremity nerve condition, to include on a secondary basis, due to an inadequate VA examination and medical opinion.

The Board denied service connection for right and left thigh pain, right and left ankle pain, lumbosacral strain, right and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, and lymphedema of the lower extremities. The claim for service connection for right sciatica pain was remanded.

The Board remands the case for an aid and attendance examination to assess the Veteran's functional impairment due to his service-connected disabilities.