Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2026

The Veteran's service-connected paralysis of the anterior crural nerve (left foot severe numbness) and right foot severe numbness have been rated at 30 percent each, but are not more nearly approximated by a higher rating.,Diabetes mellitus type II has also been rated at 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left and right lower extremity sciatica nerve due to a disagreement with the previous decision, specifically addressing the Veteran's MOS as a heavy truck driver which was difficult on his body.

The Veteran's claim for service connection has been granted, but the effective dates are determined based on new evidence received after initial decisions. The Veteran is now rated at 100% for congestive heart failure with cardiomyopathy and hypertensive heart disease and arteriosclerotic heart disease as of September 6, 2023.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of radiculopathy of the left upper extremity is dismissed as he withdrew his appeal through his attorney.

The Veteran's cervical strain and bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy have been granted increased ratings.,An effective date of April 14, 2023 has been established for the grant of a 30 percent rating for cervical strain. The earlier effective dates for cervical radiculopathy were denied.,TDIU was dismissed without prejudice.

The Board has decided that the Veteran does not meet eligibility requirements for the PCAFC program due to his care needs not rising to a level of clinical eligibility. The case is being remanded to provide a more detailed and thoroughly explained medical opinion regarding personal care services, supervision or protection, and regular extensive instruction or supervision.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine are granted as service connected.,The Veteran's right lower extremity (RLE) sciatic nerve radiculopathy is granted as secondary to his lumbar spine disability.,The Veteran's left lower extremity (LLE) sciatic nerve radiculopathy is granted as secondary to his lumbar spine disability.

The Board denied service connection for neck, back, left elbow, right elbow, sciatic nerve radiculopathy (left and right lower extremities), and tinnitus conditions. The claims were remanded for the claim of a left shoulder condition.

The Board has granted service connection for a back condition due to or aggravated by service-connected left and right ankle conditions, as well as service connection for bilateral lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy due to or aggravated by the same back condition.

The Board has restored the original disability ratings for the Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy and lumbar spine disabilities, as these reductions were improper due to inadequate examinations and lack of evidence showing actual improvement in the Veteran's conditions.

The Veteran's appeal was granted, with effective dates set for various benefits and service connection determinations. The Veteran received increased ratings for her cluster headaches and sciatic radiculopathy RLE, as well as service connection for fibromyalgia and IBS on a presumptive basis under the PACT Act.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. The AOJ is required to readjudicate this claim in light of all available evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his mitral valve regurgitation, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and hypertension, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. As such, TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's IBS and GERD have been granted service connection as they are found to be related to his service-connected adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood with insomnia.,Lumbosacral strain, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (sciatic nerve), and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity (sciatic nerve) have been remanded for further review.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is proximately due to his service-connected disabilities, including obesity caused by his service-connected lumbar spine, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral plantar fasciitis with pes planus deformity, and left and right knee disabilities. As a result, the Veteran's claim for service connection for OSA has been granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating and TDIU was granted in the February 2024 decision, with a 30% rating assigned for right lower radiculopathy. The appellant is eligible to attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded.

The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 60 percent, the highest available rating under DC 8520 for severe incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve. The evidence shows symptoms that more nearly approximate this level of disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for depressive disorder, left upper extremity radiculopathy with Parsonage-Turner Syndrome, cervical spine disorder, and left shoulder disorder have been denied.,No effective date earlier than July 13, 2022 has been granted for the grant of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the decision on appeal was not legally adequate and requires remand for further action, including obtaining a medical opinion from the CEAT regarding personal care services needs and supervision requirements. The AOJ must also provide compliant notice under 38 U.S.C. § 5104.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The issues of left shoulder strain with degenerative changes, back condition, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded for further development.