Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2025

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to January 31, 2011, as his service-connected conditions did not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for radiculopathy of the right upper extremity and a separate rating for left upper extremity radiculopathy associated with the service-connected cervical spine disability, as the evidence did not support moderate incomplete paralysis or any other higher rating.

The Veteran was granted a 40 percent rating for sciatic nerve radiculopathy with piriformis syndrome of the right lower extremity from October 14, 2015 to January 3, 2023, and TDIU from October 14, 2015 to February 1, 2021. The rating was denied for an increase after January 4, 2023.

The Board remands the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right and left lower extremity sciatica for further development.

The Board granted service connection for the neck disability and right and left upper extremity radiculopathy as secondary to the Veteran's already service-connected back disability.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to bipolar disorder and lumbar strain with neuropathic back pain and lumbar radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, effective September 8, 2010.

The Board granted service connection for multiple conditions, including degenerative diseases of the cervical and lumbar spine, radiculopathies affecting various extremities, OSA, hepatic steatosis, and supraventricular arrhythmia.

The Board granted earlier effective dates for the increased ratings of left and right cubital tunnel syndrome with ulnar nerve entrapment, elbow medial epicondylitis, and triceps tendinopathy with triceps spurs, as well as left and right sciatica and restless leg syndrome.

The Board granted an effective date of November 13, 2008, for the grant of a TDIU on an extraschedular basis and eligibility for DEA benefits.

The Board granted service connection for sciatic radicular pain of the right lower extremity, right knee pain, and left knee pain. The claims for chronic sinusitis, a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain, a rating in excess of 70 percent for mood disorder with generalized anxiety disorder, and a rating in excess of 20 percent for urinary frequency with nocturia were denied. Bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus claims were remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance or housebound criteria, as there was no evidence that his service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to care for daily personal needs without assistance from others or substantially confined him to his dwelling.

The Board remands the claim for a refund of a VA funding fee to obtain additional records and readjudicate the decision with consideration that the Veteran was still on active duty and receiving service pay at the time of the closing of his home loan.

The Board granted service connection for generalized anxiety disorder, persistent depressive disorder, sinusitis, and tinnitus. A 10 percent rating was granted for chronic headaches from December 22, 2021.

The Board granted an increased disability evaluation to 40 percent for right lower extremity radiculopathy, effective January 3, 2022.

The Board granted service connection for thoracolumbar spine conditions, left lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy, and right lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy.

The Board remands the claims for increased ratings of bilateral knee disabilities and lower extremity radiculopathy to obtain a medical opinion discounting the beneficial effects of medication.

The Board granted a 70 percent rating for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and denied service connection for various other conditions, including cluster headaches, traumatic brain injury, allergic rhinitis, and others. Some claims were remanded.

The Board granted an initial 20 percent rating for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, a 70 percent rating for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease as secondary to PTSD. The Board also granted an initial 50 percent rating for migraine headaches effective August 26, 2022.

The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the issue of left lower extremity radiculopathy due to a duty to assist error.

The Board granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine with bilateral radiculopathy, finding that it is a continuation of and caused by in-service back pain.