Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2025

The veteran's disability ratings for cervical spine degenerative disc disease and right upper extremity radiculopathy were restored to previous levels. The claim for an increased rating for a surgical scar was denied, as was the claim for service connection for bilateral hydroceles and varicoceles with left epididymal cyst due to lack of new evidence.

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

The veteran's service connection claims for neck pain and upper extremity issues related to a parachuting accident were granted.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for right hip strain was denied. A separate rating for right hip strain (limited extension of the thigh) was granted with an effective date of March 10, 2016. The claim for a higher rating for radiculopathy of the RLE was denied. Claims for increased ratings for left knee and right hip disabilities were remanded.

The veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for radiculopathy and TDIU were granted, but the claim for an increased evaluation of low back disability was denied.

The Board dismissed the appeals regarding the severance of service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy and a back scar, as well as the reduction of the rating for the Veteran's back disability. The issues are no longer on appeal because the full benefit sought was granted.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for mechanical low back pain and right lower extremity radiculopathy. The Board needs to obtain additional medical records and conduct a VA nerve examination.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for a left clavicle fracture was denied. The claim for service connection for a back condition was dismissed because it was already granted. The claim for service connection for radiculopathy was remanded for further evaluation.

The veteran was granted a 20% rating for back disability from February 16, 2012 to January 14, 2020 and a 40% rating beginning January 15, 2020. The veteran was also granted a 20% rating for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve prior to January 15, 2020. The veteran was granted TDIU prior to January 15, 2020 and SMC(l) beginning September 28, 2018.

The veteran's service connection claim for cervical strain, spondylosis, cervical degenerative joint disease, and bilateral cervical radiculopathy C5-C6 was granted. The Board found that the veteran has a current neck disability with an onset in service.

The veteran's increased rating for cervical radiculopathy with carpal tunnel syndrome was granted from July 14, 2022. The right upper extremity received a 40% rating and the left upper extremity received a 30% rating.

Service connection for PTSD is granted. Other claims, including gastrointestinal disability, headaches, lower back disability, sciatica, and TDIU, are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's request for an effective date earlier than February 18, 2022, for service connection of both right and left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board granted the appeal concerning the timeliness of the May 2023 VA Form 10182 Board Appeal/NOD.

The Board denied the veteran's appeal for a rating greater than 10 percent for both left and right lower extremity radiculopathy. The decision was based on the lack of evidence showing moderate incomplete paralysis.

The veteran was granted a 60% rating for radiculopathy of the right upper extremity but denied higher ratings for lumbar spine disability, cervical spine scar, and right-hand scar. The issue of a higher rating for cervical spine intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) was remanded.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 20 percent rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve was denied. All other issues were remanded for further development.

The appeal for service connection of a low back disability and radiculopathy in the right lower extremity has been remanded. The Board needs more medical records to make a decision.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for several conditions but granted an earlier effective date for left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy. Some issues were remanded for further consideration.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a disability rating greater than 40 percent for service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease and IVDS. The decision was based on the lack of evidence showing more severe symptoms or incapacitating episodes.