Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2025

The Board remands the matter for further development, specifically to obtain an addendum opinion that properly follows its previous remand instructions.

The Board granted initial ratings of 30 percent, 40 percent, and 20 percent for dermatitis and tinea versicolor, lumbar spine disorder, and left lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve) respectively. The issues of service connection for rhinitis and sinusitis were remanded.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 60 percent prior to October 31, 2017, and in excess of 40 percent thereafter for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability. The claims for increased ratings for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy were remanded.

The Board remands the issues of entitlement to increased ratings for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with lumbosacral spine spondylosis and lower extremity radiculopathy due to the need for a more current VA examination.

The veteran's appeal for effective dates of ratings and service connection was dismissed because the veteran requested to withdraw it.

The veteran is granted an effective date of October 30, 2022 for service connection for cervical spine disabilities and July 11, 2022 for a 20 percent rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The appeal for a higher rating for left leg sciatic radiculopathy was dismissed because the veteran requested to withdraw the appeal.

The Board granted eligibility for attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in a January 2023 rating decision.

The Board granted the Veteran's claims for readjudication due to new and relevant evidence but denied the claims for increased ratings.

The veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was granted. All other claims were denied or remanded.

The Board dismissed the veteran's appeals for service connection of migraine headaches, lumbosacral strain, and paralysis of the sciatic nerve due to procedural errors. The veteran did not follow the correct procedures to reopen these claims.

The veteran was granted a 40% rating for right upper extremity radiculopathy and a 30% rating for left upper extremity radiculopathy prior to October 28, 2022. The request for a higher rating for intervertebral disc syndrome of the cervical spine with spinal fusion was denied.

The Board denied service connection for left lower extremity neuralgia and sleep disturbances but remanded decisions on low back condition, right lower extremity neuralgia, and acquired psychiatric condition.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed because the veteran requested to withdraw it.

The veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of left and right lower extremity radiculopathy were granted. Claims for earlier effective dates for a higher rating of lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and PTSD were denied. The claim for an earlier effective date for Dependents' Educational Assistance was granted.

The appeal regarding a clear and unmistakable error in the August 2015 rating decision for constrictive bronchiolitis was dismissed because the Board did not have jurisdiction over the claim. The Veteran's counsel attempted to appeal an issue that was not adjudicated in the appealed rating decision.

The veteran's disability ratings for low back and left sciatic nerve issues were restored to previous levels. Claims for erectile dysfunction and pseudofolliculitis were denied. Other issues, including service connection for headaches and hypertension, were remanded.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for special monthly compensation and increased ratings for several conditions due to missing medical records.

The veteran's service connection for lumbosacral strain and related radiculopathies in both lower extremities was granted.

The Board denied the veteran's request for an earlier effective date for TDIU benefits. The increase in disability occurred before the one-year period prior to the claim date.