Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2026

The Board dismissed the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability due to a grant in October 2025. The back condition claim is granted with a 30% evaluation effective September 22, 2016.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) was denied, and his request for an earlier effective date for SMC based on housebound status was also denied.

Service connection is granted for a low back disability, stress incontinence, and bunion disability.,The Veteran's unspecified chronic virus (likely Lyme disease) and neurological eye disability are remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbosacral strain with left leg radiculopathy, a skin condition other than acne (eczema, atopic dermatitis, corns and calluses), a left hip condition, residuals of vasectomy, and sleep apnea are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbosacral strain with left leg radiculopathy, a skin condition other than acne (eczema, atopic dermatitis, corns and calluses), a left hip condition, residuals of vasectomy, and sleep apnea are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his active duty service. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is also granted.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than September 27, 2006 for various disabilities have been denied.,Effective dates prior to September 27, 2006 were not granted for the service connection grants and disability ratings of several conditions.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, left shoulder disability, and right ankle disability are granted as service-connected based on new evidence provided since the prior decisions.

The Board dismissed the appeal for rating increases in multiple conditions due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral ankle condition, right wrist condition, and allergic rhinitis due to lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, as they prevent prolonged standing and walking.

The Veteran's tension headaches are rated at a maximum of 50 percent, effective January 21, 2026.,The Veteran's right and left lower extremity radiculopathy with sciatic nerve involvement each receive a rating of 40 percent.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were denied due to untimely filing of the Board Appeal requests. The appeal was dismissed.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for initial disability ratings in excess of 10 percent for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on mild incomplete paralysis.

The Board has granted a higher initial rating of 20 percent for right lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy, finding moderate severity symptoms throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development on the issues of service connection for sleep apnea, kidney stones, lumbosacral strain, and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve.,Service connection for left ear hearing loss was denied as there is no current evidence showing a disability meeting VA's criteria.

The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy, specifically sciatic and femoral nerves, has been granted increased ratings of 80% and 40%, respectively. The effective date for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance (A&A) is set at December 9, 2019.

The Veteran withdrew all pending appeals, including those for increased ratings and service connection claims. The appeal is dismissed as a result.

The Board has granted separate 20 percent ratings for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy affecting the sciatic nerve, but denied higher ratings for right and left anterior tibial (deep peroneal) nerve involvement.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and effective dates have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.