Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2025

The Board remanded all issues to correct errors in obtaining the Veteran's service treatment records.

Service connection for left knee disability and lumbar degenerative disc disease is granted. Service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy (claimed as sciatica) is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a rating higher than 10% for left lower extremity radiculopathy. The evidence showed symptoms more closely aligned with mild incomplete paralysis.

The veteran is granted a 20% rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy. The issues of ratings in excess of 20 percent prior to June 4, 2020, for lumbar spondylosis with degenerative disc disease and right rotator cuff strain are remanded.

The Board denied service connection for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy because the conditions did not have onset in service and are not directly related to service.

All appeals were dismissed because the veteran did not file timely notices of disagreement.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection of degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and bilateral upper extremity cervical radiculopathy. The Board acknowledged that the medical nexus opinion was inadequate due to overlooked service treatment records.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 40 percent for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on loss of use of both legs. The Board found that an adequate VA examination was not conducted.

The veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities has been granted. The Board found that the veteran is unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation because of his service-connected conditions.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating than 20 percent for back disability was denied. The claim for separate ratings for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy was remanded.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings for lumbosacral strain with IVDS and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, maintaining the 10% rating.

The appeal for service connection of left lower extremity sciatica was dismissed because the condition was already granted service connection in April 2024.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease and sciatic nerve radiculopathy, to determine if these conditions are secondary to service-connected ankle and feet disabilities.

The veteran's claims for higher ratings for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy were denied. The claims for service connection for right elbow pain, right wrist pain, and total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) were remanded.

The Board restored the veteran's rating for intervertebral disc syndrome and lumbosacral strain to 40% effective May 24, 2021. Other issues related to service connection were remanded.

The Board denied service connection for all claimed conditions, finding that the veteran's disabilities did not originate in or are related to his military service.

The Board remanded all issues for further development and examination. The Veteran's claims involve various ratings for service-connected disabilities related to the lumbar spine, lower extremities, and knees.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection for OSA, increased ratings for sciatic radiculopathy, and TDIU due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The appeal for an increased rating was dismissed because the veteran requested to withdraw it.

The Board remanded all issues to obtain adequate VA examinations and medical opinions.