Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2025

The Board denied service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, insomnia, and a respiratory condition. The claims for fibromyalgia, numbness in the left arm, numbness in the right arm, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity sciatic nerve, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity sciatic nerve, and headache condition were remanded for further development.

The Board found that the reductions in ratings for degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine, left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy, and right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy were improper and void ab initio. The 20 percent rating for the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine, 10 percent rating for the Veteran's left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy, and 10 percent rating for the Veteran's right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy are restored, effective January 6, 2023.

The appeal for service connection of multiple conditions has been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board remands the claims for a retrospective opinion to determine the severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and left lower extremity radiculopathy, sciatic nerve prior to April 7, 2021.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for the evaluations of left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, lumbosacral strain with intervertebral disc syndrome, and tension headaches.

The Board denied an increased rating for PTSD, granted a TDIU from December 3, 2020, and denied service connection for various conditions.

The Board granted increased ratings and effective dates for the veteran's service-connected conditions, including OTSD, degenerative arthritis of the spine, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy, but denied an increased rating for his back disability.

The Board denied service connection for hearing loss (right and left ear), migraines, a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative disc disease with degenerative arthritis and lumbosacral strain, and a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy. The claim for service connection for a left ankle condition was remanded.

The Board granted service connection for cervical spine degenerative disc disease other than IVDS and remanded the claims for left shoulder degenerative arthritis, bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy, a bilateral ankle disorder, and a bilateral finger disorder.

The Board remands the veteran's claims for further development, including scheduling examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected conditions.

The appeal regarding the eligibility to direct payment of attorney fees is remanded for corrective notice due to errors in the May 2024 fee decision.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for a 70 percent rating for the acquired mental disorder and dismissed appeals for higher ratings and earlier effective dates related to lumbar radiculopathy and DEA eligibility.

The Board denied the claims for earlier effective dates for service connection for cervical spine disability, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and right upper extremity radiculopathy.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's lumbar spine and sciatic nerve disabilities, granted a 30 percent rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), and granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine.

The Board granted an initial 20 percent rating for the right and left lower extremity radiculopathy from June 28, 2021 to October 23, 2022, but denied ratings in excess of 10 percent prior to that date and in excess of 20 percent thereafter.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome, radiculopathy, and peripheral neuropathy, as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or were related to in-service exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board remands the issues of entitlement to increased ratings for lumbar radiculopathy and special monthly compensation due to an inadequate VA examination.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the cervical spine and a rating in excess of 10 percent for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity prior to June 3, 2022.

The Board denied service connection for all seven conditions as there was no evidence that any of the claimed disabilities were incurred in or caused by the Veteran's military service.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbosacral strain and granted an effective date of November 5, 2007, but no earlier, for TDIU.