Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2025

The Board denied an increased rating for tension headaches and service connection for panic disorder, but granted service connection for back pain and left leg radicular pain secondary to the back disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for increased ratings and service connection, as well as remanded several new claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for service connection for cervical strain, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and right upper extremity radiculopathy.

The Board remands the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, requiring additional information from the Veteran regarding his work history and employment status.

The appeal was dismissed for the claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, and service connection for migraine headaches was restored. Several claims for service connection were denied.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection and increased rating, finding that the earliest possible date of January 24, 2023, is legally required.

The Board remands the claims for increased disability evaluations and other benefits due to an inadequate VA medical opinion regarding the severity of the Veteran's radiculopathy.

The Board granted service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, unspecified mood disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder, as well as alcohol use disorder. The remaining claims were remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral femoral nerve radiculopathy was granted with an effective date of March 18, 1992. The initial disability rating for disc disruption was denied.

The appeals for service connection and higher ratings were dismissed due to procedural defects.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including sinusitis, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and headaches, among others. Sleep apnea was granted.

The Board granted a 40 percent rating for lumbar radiculopathy, sciatic nerve, right and left lower extremities but denied earlier effective dates and a compensable rating for the posterior trunk scar.

The appeal was granted as the Veteran's September 2, 2022 Decision Review Request: Higher-Level Review, VA Form 20-0996, was timely.

The Board granted service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, cephalgia/chronic headaches, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, lumbosacral strain, thoracic segmental dysfunction, and lumbar spine disc syndrome. A 30 percent rating was assigned for cervical strain.

The Board remands the claims for further development of evidence, including obtaining updated VA treatment records.

The Board granted an earlier effective date for the assignment of a 40 percent rating and service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy, restored the 50 percent rating for migraines, and denied increased ratings for knee strain and shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis.

The Board remands the claims for service connection and TDIU due to insufficient evidence, requiring a new VA examination.

The Board remands the claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance due to conflicting information regarding the Veteran's ability to perform daily activities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was granted, while other claims were denied or remanded.

The Board denied service connection for a bone disorder, back disability, right shoulder radiculopathy, right and left foot osteoarthritis, neck disability, and dry eye syndrome due to the lack of evidence showing current diagnoses or symptoms during service that are related to these conditions.