Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2026

The reduction in the ratings for first-degree frostbite with degenerative arthritis of the right hand and left hand from 30% to 20% was not proper, and the original 30% ratings are reinstated. The Veteran is granted entitlement to Total Disability due to Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's TDIU is granted effective October 7, 2019. The appeal for service connection for radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities, cervical spine degenerative condition with pain as secondary to thoracolumbar degenerative arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome and spinal stenosis, and radiation exposure (presumptive) is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a disability rating and TDIU due to inadequate examination reports, specifically regarding the severity of his service-connected right lower extremity radiculopathy. The issues are related as they both involve the same condition.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The left total knee replacement claim was denied as the maximum schedular rating has been assigned, and the hemorrhoids claim was denied due to no new evidence warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him so helpless as to need regular aid and attendance of another person, resulting in the grant of SMC at the A&A rate. The question of entitlement to SMC on account of being housebound is moot due to the grant of SMC based on A&A.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability and associated conditions render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, leading to the grant of TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and evaluation of IBS have been granted. The Board has also determined that the Veteran should be afforded additional VA examinations to address his claims for erectile dysfunction, GERD, lower back strain (lumbosacral strain), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and sciatica right leg.

The Veteran's wife has been providing regular care and assistance to the Veteran since February 13, 2017 due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board grants an effective date of February 13, 2017 for SMC based on need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's increased ratings for right and left upper extremity radial nerve peripheral neuropathy, as well as his sciatic nerve peripheral neuropathy from March 18, 2020, are denied. Separate ratings for sciatic neuritis in the lower extremities are granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection due to lack of a valid claim prior to February 2024.

The Board has granted effective dates of January 11, 2016 for the awards of service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic and femoral), based on new evidence received after the initial rating decision in June 2020.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of infections and breathing issues, left shoulder condition, middle back strain, traumatic brain injury, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and right knee strain as these claims have been granted in full. The appeal for service connection of vertigo is being remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD, cervical strain with related upper extremity radiculopathies, and lumbar strain have been granted effective July 18, 2019. The Veteran is also granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD since July 18, 2019.

The Veteran's lumbar spine condition, including DDD and L5 sacralization, is granted as service-connected.,Right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy are both granted as service-connected.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that his condition does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is currently rated at 20 percent and the Board finds no evidence to support a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for left upper extremity radiculopathy is dismissed. Service connection for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) of the cervical spine is granted.

The Veteran's cervical spine DDD and IVDS are rated at 30% prior to September 28, 2021, but not higher.,The Veteran's right upper extremity radiculopathy is rated at 20% from February 3, 2023, onwards.,The Veteran's left knee degenerative joint disease is rated at 10% from February 3, 2023, onwards.,The Veteran's vasomotor rhinitis is rated at 10% from February 3, 2023, onwards.,The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), Hiatal Hernia and Diverticulitis are rated at 30%.

The Veteran is granted SMC at the (n) rate effective November 9, 2020, based on a combination of service-connected conditions that independently reach or exceed 50% disability ratings.

The Board denied restoration of the prior ratings for intervertebral disc disease (IVDS) of the lumbar spine, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy due to sustained improvement in the Veteran's ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work.

The Board dismissed the appeal regarding a proposed reduction of the disability rating from 40 to 10 percent for right lower extremity radiculopathy and discontinuation of Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA).