Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2025

The Board denied an increased rating for the lumbar spine disability and granted a 20 percent evaluation for right lower extremity radiculopathy, while denying compensable evaluations for other conditions. The Board also remanded several service connection claims.

The Board granted an effective date of August 6, 2021, but no earlier, for the award of a 10 percent rating for right hip strain, impairment of the thigh. Other claims were denied.

The Board granted disability ratings of 20 percent for each service-connected lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve from December 13, 2022, and remanded a rating in excess of 20 percent prior to January 4, 2024, and an excess of 40 percent thereafter, for degenerative disc disease (DDD), lumbar spine with bulging disc L5-S1 and intervertebral disc syndrome.

The Board granted an effective date of July 17, 2017, for the award of a 70 percent rating for PTSD.

The Board remands the claims for increased ratings as the current VA examinations are inadequate to determine the level of disability absent the ameliorating effects of medication.

The Board granted a clothing allowance for the use of a lumbar spine brace and crutches, but denied allowances for right knee brace, left ankle brace, and capsaicin cream.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) from January 1, 2019, and an effective date of the same for eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35.

The Board granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, and cervical spine disability. The Veteran is also in receipt of a 100 percent disability rating from July 8, 2024 onward.

The Board granted a 20 percent rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy and denied an initial rating greater than 10 percent for right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board granted service connection for lumbosacral strain, sciatic radicular pain and paresthesia of the right lower extremity, sciatic radicular pain and paresthesia of the left lower extremity, and residual hypoesthesia and dysfunction of the right hand.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for lumbosacral spine degenerative disc disease with scoliosis and lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to it, as a new VA examination is needed using the correct legal standard.

The Board remands the claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for intervertebral disc syndrome and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Board granted the Veteran's appeal for service connection for radiculopathy of the femoral and sciatic nerves, but denied it for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis. Agent fees were awarded in part.

The Board denied several claims for increased ratings and service connection, granted initial evaluations of 20 percent for radiculopathy in the left and right lower extremities, and dismissed a claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and service connection for various conditions, as well as initial ratings higher than noncompensable for dermatitis and hypertension, and a rating higher than 20 percent for lumbar spine strain.

The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions, including residuals of a rib injury, left ankle injury, lower extremity sciatica, hypertension, blurred vision, chest pain, and kidney disease, as there was no current diagnosis or evidence of related functional impairment.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative disc disease with dorsalgia and an effective date earlier than April 19, 2023, for the grant of service connection for degenerative disc disease with dorsalgia.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative disc disease with spinal stenosis, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity.

The Board denied initial disability ratings for various conditions, including GERD, shoulder strain, elbow strains, lumbosacral strain, and knee conditions. A separate rating was granted for right lower extremity radiculopathy due to the service-connected lumbosacral spine disability.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disability and musculoskeletal disorders, as there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to the claimed conditions.