Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2025

The Board denied service connection for right and left upper extremity cervical radiculopathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine.

The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities from September 20, 2006.

The Board denied service connection for neuropathy/radiculopathy of the upper and lower extremities and sleep apnea, as there was no evidence to support a causal relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Board granted service connection for urinary dysfunction with frequency and nocturia as secondary to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with CPAP, and an evaluation of 20 percent was granted for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity associated with lumbosacral strain from April 9, 2021.

The Board granted service connection for right ear hearing loss, right/left lung apical and basilar pulmonary fibrosis (under the PACT Act), right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right upper extremity radiculopathy, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and an acquired psychiatric disability (other than PTSD).

The Board remands the matters for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion to clarify the Veteran's pain and functional limitations related to his lower back disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board restored the 20 percent ratings for right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy, effective December 14, 2022, as the reduction actions were improper.

The Board remands the claims for a new VA examination to determine if there has been sustained improvement in the Veteran's service-connected bilateral lower extremity radiculopathies.

The appeals for effective dates prior to June 6, 2024, for the award of service connection for various radiculopathies and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbosacral strain and IVDS were denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher initial ratings and service connection, as well as remanded certain issues for further development.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating and earlier effective date for service-connected conditions.

The Board granted service connection for migraine headaches, right elbow flexion limitation, and left anterior scalp scar. It also granted a 20 percent rating for the right elbow flexion and a 10 percent rating for the left anterior scalp scar. The claims for higher ratings were denied.

The Board denied service connection for right ear hearing loss and an initial compensable rating for left ear hearing loss, but remanded claims for service connection for ankle disorders, lower extremity radiculopathy, and knee pain.

The Board granted service connection for a low back disability and secondary service connection for right and left lower extremity radiculopathies based on new and relevant evidence.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, and a left hand disability. The claims for bilateral foot plantar fasciitis and right hand degenerative arthritis were remanded.

The Board denied an initial disability rating in excess of 70 percent for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and remanded service connection claims for a back disability, radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve of the right lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve of the left lower extremity.

The Board granted an earlier effective date of February 21, 2023, for the grant of service connection for a lumbar spine disability and denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the same. Additionally, it granted a separate evaluation for left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board denied service connection for right ear hearing loss and initial compensable ratings for left ear hearing loss, left ankle condition, and right knee strain. The claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a left wrist injury, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and a left knee condition were remanded.

The Board granted earlier effective dates for the assignment of ratings and service connection based on an intent to file a claim submitted by the Veteran prior to his formal claim.

The Board granted earlier effective dates for service connection for erectile dysfunction, left lower extremity sciatica, and right lower extremity nerve condition, but denied earlier effective dates for other conditions.