Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2025

The Board granted earlier effective dates for the Veteran's back disability and bilateral upper and lower extremity neuropathy, but denied increased ratings for his back disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of migraine headaches, cervical spine strain, and bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy.

The Board remands the Veteran's claims for a higher disability rating for radiculopathy in both lower extremities due to a need for additional evidence and examination.

The veteran withdrew the appeal by way of a February 2024 Statement in Support of Claim, and the Board has no jurisdiction to review the appeal.

The Board denied service connection for radiculopathy of the upper and lower extremities, but remanded claims for a neck disability, lower back disability, right shoulder disability, left ankle disability, and right ankle disability.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to January 27, 2021, for the grant of a 40 percent disability rating for right upper extremity radiculopathy was granted.

The Veteran was granted a 10 percent rating for the residual surgical scar, status post total left knee replacement and increased ratings to 20 percent for complex regional pain syndrome in both lower extremities. Some issues were remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from maintaining substantially gainful employment, and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted.

The Board granted service connection for a right shoulder disability, cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, and secondary service connection for cervical and lumbar radiculopathies.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for the awards of increased compensation and service connection, finding that it was not factually ascertainable that the Veteran's conditions had worsened to a degree warranting such increases prior to the specified dates.

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

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities cause him to need regular aid and attendance, granting special monthly compensation.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea, headaches, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy but granted service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus. The rating for a deviated nasal septum was restored from May 24, 2024.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate effective September 30, 2003.

The Board remands the claims for a higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and associated radiculopathy due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the severity of the conditions during flare-ups and after repetitive use, discounting the ameliorative effects of medications.

The Board granted a higher initial disability rating of 20 percent for the service-connected left ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain (chronic/recurrent) and granted service connection for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, both secondary to the service-connected low back disability.

The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for the period on appeal.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the spine, right sciatic nerve, and left sciatic nerve.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an initial compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae, while remanding the claims for a lumbar disorder, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left knee disorder, and right knee disorder.

The Board denied the appeal for entitlement to a finding of total disability due to individual unemployability (TDIU) based on a single service-connected disability, namely service-connected thoracolumbar spine or left lower extremity radiculopathy.