Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2026

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC higher than the (l) + (1/2) rate due to lack of anatomical loss or use of extremities, blindness, or permanent bedridden status.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II, heart disability, diabetic neuropathies of various nerves, and erectile dysfunction are all granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The Veteran's service-connected left and right lower extremity radiculopathy were rated at 10 percent each, but the Board found that his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating as they only indicated mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, bipolar disorder II, and alcohol abuse disorder, are not service-connected as they did not onset during service or due to a service-connected condition.,The Veteran's low back pain is not service-connected as it did not onset during service or due to a service-connected condition. The claim for right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy was denied as there were no secondary service connection issues addressed.,The Veteran's right knee disorder, which includes meniscal tear with joint osteoarthritis and instability, is not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations in excess of 10 percent for sciatic radiculopathy of the lower left and right extremities have been dismissed due to a withdrawal request by his representative prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered her unemployable, but an award of special monthly compensation at the housebound rate is not for assignment due to the presence of other service-connected conditions. Therefore, entitlement to a TDIU is denied.

The Board has granted initial ratings of 40 percent for right and left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, finding the disability to be moderately severe incomplete paralysis throughout the period on appeal.

The Veteran's left and right lower extremity radiculopathy have been granted initial ratings of 40 percent each, effective from the date of the rating decision.

The Board has granted an effective date of April 10, 2024 for the award of Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU, but he meets the schedular requirements beginning on August 8, 2024. The Board is unable to grant an extraschedular TDIU based on the evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the claims for heart disease, hypertension, bilateral foot disability (including plantar fasciitis and pes planus), right knee pain, right shoulder pain, sciatica, and sleep disorder due to a deficiency in the record prior to the decision on appeal.

The Board has granted effective dates of December 1, 2018 for the 20 percent evaluations for right lower extremity femoral radiculopathy and left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for left upper extremity radiculopathy is denied as the evidence does not support a finding of more than moderate incomplete paralysis.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical spine strain with degenerative arthritis and low back pain are remanded due to inadequate consideration of all symptomology in prior VA examinations.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right arm disability is remanded as the medical opinion did not address whether any diagnosed conditions are related to service or secondary to a service-connected condition.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches, chronic cervical spine strain, and right upper extremity radiculopathy. The effective dates of these determinations are not specified in the decision.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for increased initial disability ratings for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve of the right lower extremity. The claim of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of blurry vision, chronic fatigue syndrome, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, a respiratory disability, and vertigo have all been denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for neck (cervical spine) disability, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and right upper extremity radiculopathy due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between the disabilities and active duty.

The Veteran's right and left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathies are rated at 40 percent each, effective November 7, 2019.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for right and left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy due to inadequate evaluations provided by VA.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to February 6, 2023 for the award of service connection and a separate rating for left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy is denied. The earliest date of entitlement is February 6, 2023.