Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2025

The veteran's appeal for higher disability ratings was dismissed because the veteran withdrew the appeals.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, sciatic nerve was partially granted. The veteran is entitled to a 40 percent rating but no higher.

The veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and special monthly compensation (SMC) at the statutory housebound rate from June 29, 2011. The issue of TDIU prior to June 29, 2011, is remanded for further consideration.

The veteran was granted a 40 percent rating for lumbosacral strain with intervertebral disc syndrome and a 20 percent rating for lower left extremity radiculopathy. The veteran's claims for higher ratings for left hip strain were denied.

The veteran was granted a 40% disability rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy before January 7, 2022, and a maximum 50% rating for headaches from May 1, 2019. The veteran was also granted TDIU and DEA benefits since May 1, 2019. However, the veteran's request for an increased disability rating in excess of 60% for right lower extremity radiculopathy since January 7, 2022, and earlier effective dates were denied.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for low back disability was denied, but an initial 20 percent rating for left lower extremity sciatic nerve impairment was granted.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date and higher disability ratings for various conditions related to Parkinson's disease was mostly denied, but a separate 30 percent rating for difficulty chewing and swallowing and a 20 percent rating for sexual dysfunction were granted.

The veteran's appeal for service connection and increased ratings was dismissed because the veteran withdrew the appeal.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating of left lower extremity radiculopathy is granted to 20 percent.

The Board denied the appellant's request for direct payment of attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in a January 2023 Rating Decision.

The veteran's service connection for lumbar spine spondylosis and stenosis, as well as related conditions in the lower extremities, was granted. However, claims related to cervical spine issues and total disability rating were remanded.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for radiculopathy in the left upper extremity was granted, with a 40% rating assigned.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a neck disability and cervical radiculopathy in both upper extremities, secondary to a service-connected low back disability, were granted.

The appeal for a higher rating for intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative disc disease, degenerative arthritis, and lumbosacral strain has been remanded. The Board needs more information to decide.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus, type II was denied. Claims for higher ratings for low back disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, surgical scars, and left lower extremity radiculopathy were remanded.

The veteran is granted an effective date of December 29, 2020 for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance. The claims for earlier effective dates for lumbar spine DDD with IVDS and LLE radiculopathy are dismissed and denied respectively.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for lumbar spine issues is remanded for further evaluation. The Board needs more information to determine the correct rating.

The veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for bilateral pes planus and IVDS with degenerative arthritis of the spine was denied. A 40 percent rating for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity from December 4, 2019 to August 13, 2020 was granted. Other claims were also denied or dismissed.

The veteran's appeal for higher disability ratings and service connection for several conditions was dismissed because the veteran withdrew the appeal.

The veteran's claim for service connection for lower cervical spine/brachial plexus was dismissed. An effective date of August 12, 2022, was granted for depressive disorder with insomnia. Other claims were remanded.