Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2025

The veteran's rating for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy lumbar region was restored to 10 percent.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for higher disability ratings and TDIU due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Board denied increased disability ratings for several conditions and remanded issues related to effective dates. The Veteran's claims for higher ratings were based on evidence that did not meet the criteria for increased ratings.

The Board granted a 20% disability rating for low back issues starting June 30, 2022. All other claims were denied or dismissed.

The Board granted an effective date of September 8, 2009 for left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve and September 9, 2016 for a 40 percent rating for low back disability. Other issues were denied.

The appeal for increased ratings for right and left upper extremity radiculopathy was dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board denied the veteran's request for an effective date prior to October 25, 2021, for service connection of several conditions. The earliest effective date is October 25, 2021.

The Board denied service connection for sleep disorder, left hip condition, bilateral foot condition, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy due to lack of current diagnoses and functional impairment.

The Board restored the veteran's ratings for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy to 30 percent, effective December 1, 2021, and December 1, 2020, respectively.

The Board denied service connection for left lower and upper extremity radiculopathy because the Veteran did not have a current disorder related to service or secondary to a service-connected disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings for intervertebral disc syndrome, spinal stenosis, and left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board denied service connection for left lower and upper extremity radiculopathy because the Veteran did not have a current disorder related to service or secondary to a service-connected disability.

The Board denied service connection for a sciatic nerve disorder because there is no current diagnosis or evidence supporting the claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates for service-connected radiculopathy conditions.

The veteran's claim for PTSD was denied because they did not attend a scheduled VA examination. The claims for neck condition and bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy were dismissed due to improper docketing.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for low back disability and post-operative lumbar spine scar was denied. The veteran was granted a 40% rating for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy and total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The claims for special monthly compensation (SMC) were remanded.

The veteran's request for an increased rating for left shoulder bursitis and post cervical spine fusion with degenerative changes was denied. The veteran was granted a 40 percent rating for left upper extremity radiculopathy but denied an increased rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD is granted, and the remaining issues are remanded.

The Board remands the matter for a new medical opinion to address whether the Veteran's left brachial plexus injury, nerve irritation/trigger point, and radiculopathy/thoracic outlet syndrome are related to his active service.

The Board denied ratings in excess of the assigned percentages for the Veteran's back and sciatic/femoral radiculopathy disabilities, except for a 20% rating granted on and after November 8, 2017, for left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy and a 20% rating granted on and after November 8, 2016, for right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy. The Board also granted TDIU and DEA benefits effective February 9, 2011.