Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2025

The Board denied service connection for all claimed conditions, finding that the evidence does not support a current disability or a link to service.

The veteran's claims for cervical strain, right shoulder acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, and left shoulder strain were denied. However, the veteran was granted service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with arthritis, spondylosis, and dextroscoliosis of the thoracic spine, as well as sciatic lumbar radiculopathy in the right lower extremity.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of radiculopathy and TDIU was denied. However, the veteran was granted a 70% disability rating for PTSD starting from March 5, 2020.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance from October 27, 2011. This decision is based on the Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to obesity caused by the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's PTSD rating was increased to 70% from December 7, 2009 to April 29, 2021. The effective date for DEA eligibility was granted as of January 28, 2021. However, the request for an earlier effective date for SMC and a higher level of SMC were denied.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for higher disability ratings due to inadequate VA examinations. The veteran will receive new exams that consider his reported flare-ups.

The veteran's disability ratings for low back strain and radiculopathy were restored to previous levels, but the issues of higher ratings and total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) were remanded.

The Board granted the Veteran's motion to revise or reverse on the basis of CUE a December 2016 rating decision, entitling the Veteran to an initial rating of 20 percent for each of the claimed conditions.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection of multiple conditions, including hip tendinitis, shoulder strain, upper extremity radiculopathy, cervical strain, and lumbosacral strain. The VA examinations were deemed inadequate, and further evaluations are required.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for TDIU based on a single service-connected disability and SMC at the housebound rate, finding that his PTSD alone did not render him unemployable.

The appeal for service connection for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve is dismissed as the benefits sought have been granted.

The Board granted service connection for a cervical spine disability, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and right upper extremity radiculopathy based on the Veteran's in-service injury and current symptoms.

The Veteran's disability ratings for lumbar spine strain with degenerative arthritis and radiculopathy were restored to previous levels. The issue of service connection for headaches and potential increased evaluations are remanded.

The veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are rated at 50% effective October 1, 2017. The veteran is also granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The veteran's appeal was dismissed because the veteran withdrew it before a decision was made.

The Board remanded the claims for service connection of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and an increased rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy due to inadequate examinations.

The Board denied the veteran's appeal for a higher rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy, concluding that the symptoms were no more than moderate in severity.

The veteran's request for a higher rating for lumbar spine disability was denied, but service connection for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity was granted.

The veteran was granted a separate 10 percent disability rating for right knee limitation of flexion. All other issues were denied.