Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2025

The Board granted a rating of 20 percent for left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy and denied service connection for a left hip disability.

The veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection of left ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain, low back pain, and sciatic radicular pain and paresthesia in the legs.

The Board granted earlier effective dates for the award of service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve) and right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), but denied earlier effective dates for bowel incontinence, neurogenic bladder, and other conditions.

The Board remands the claims for increased ratings for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, sciatic, to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Board remands the issues of entitlement to service connection for radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities for further development, including a VA examination.

The appeal concerning the propriety of the rating reductions for the Veteran's right distal fibula disability and tinea pedis was dismissed, while SMC based on the need for aid and attendance was granted prior to February 20, 2024.

The Board denied service connection for a chronic fatigue disorder and various increased rating claims, and remanded several service connection issues.

The Board remands the Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, IVDS, radiculopathy, and bulging disc to obtain a more thorough medical opinion.

The Board granted a 30 percent rating for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, and 20 percent ratings for left lower extremity radiculopathy and right knee degenerative arthritis. The claim for a higher rating for degenerative disc disease with degenerative arthritis and spondylolisthesis was denied, as well as the TDIU.

The Board denied ratings higher than 20 percent for diabetes mellitus type II and sciatic radiculopathy in the right and left lower extremities.

The Board remands the claims for increased ratings of various disabilities to ensure that all relevant VA treatment records are obtained and considered.

The Board denied service connection for temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) and remanded the claims for hysterectomy, gynecological adhesions, recurrent urinary tract infections, bilateral knee disabilities, plantar fasciitis, hammertoes, hallux valgus, lumbar spine disability, lower extremity sciatica, and dermatitis due to a duty to assist error.

The appeal for service connection for back pain and sciatica of both lower extremities was dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board granted earlier effective dates for the grant of service connection for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral and sciatic nerves) but denied earlier effective dates for upper extremity radiculopathy, cervical strain, DEA benefits, and a higher disability rating for lumbar spine spinal stenosis with intervertebral disc syndrome.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for right and left hand strain with radiculopathy to obtain an addendum opinion that adequately addresses the Veteran's lay statements and service treatment records.

The Board remands the claims for further development and to obtain an adequate examination.

The Board denied service connection for chronic sinusitis and remanded the claims for back, neck, and radiculopathy conditions.

The Board granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and a back scar. The claim for GERD and an acquired psychiatric disorder was denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and a compensable rating, but remanded service connection for a respiratory disability and TDIU.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's left knee disability, residuals of a left varicocelectomy, and lower extremity radiculopathy as the evidence did not support higher ratings.