Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2025

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and other benefits, finding that the evidence did not support higher ratings or additional compensation.

The Board granted service connection for a low back disorder, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity on a secondary basis, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity on a secondary basis.

The appeal was denied for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus and a compensable rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy, while other claims were remanded.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance is granted, as he requires regular assistance with dressing, keeping himself clean and presentable, and attending to his bodily needs due to service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease and back injury, left lower sciatica, and right lower sciatica was dismissed as the appeals were not timely filed.

The appeal for service connection for a skin condition, left hip strain, and depression was dismissed as the Veteran did not file a notice of disagreement within one year of the relevant rating decisions. The appeals for service connection for bilateral lower and upper extremity radiculopathy were denied.

The Board remands the claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbosacral strain status post laminectomy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, sciatic nerve, and a compensable evaluation for urinary incontinence due to missing medical records and an inadequate VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of onset during or within one year after service and no medical nexus between in-service noise exposure and the current condition.

The Board granted an effective date of January 12, 2022, for the award of service connection for sinusitis and irritable bowel syndrome but denied a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss from February 17, 2022.

The Board granted service connection for lumbosacral degenerative disc disease with intervertebral disc syndrome, and right and left lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to the lumbar spine condition.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected chronic lumbosacral strain with IVDS, and remanded the matter of entitlement to a rating in excess of 40 percent for chronic lumbosacral strain with IVDS.

The appeal was granted for service connection of left ear hearing loss and OSA, but denied for hepatic steatosis. Several claims were remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing or special home adaptation grant as he does not have a permanent and total service-connected disability that meets the criteria.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and granted TDIU, SMC at the housebound rate, and SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.

The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board remands the claims for further development, specifically to obtain an addendum medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cervical degenerative arthritis and DDD with spinal stenosis.

The appeal is dismissed due to the Veteran's election of a higher-level review, which precludes concurrent Board review.

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus and denied initial ratings in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral spine intervertebral disc syndrome, degenerative arthritis, radiculopathy, and left knee degenerative arthritis. The Board also denied an initial compensable rating for a right wrist scar and limitation of extension of the left knee.

The Board denied several claims for increased ratings and service connection, while granting a 30% rating for herpes simplex labialis and service connection for thoracolumbar spine disability.

The Board granted service connection for asthma but denied service connection for chronic bronchitis and stable angina. Migraine headaches, bilateral hypermetropia, hypertension, a lumbar spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and cervical spine disability claims were withdrawn by the Veteran.