Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2026

The appellant is granted SMC(o) and SMC(r)(1) based on his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, glaucoma, foot drop conditions, sleep apnea, migraines, overactive bladder, and various musculoskeletal issues. He does not qualify for higher rates due to the anatomical loss or use of extremities.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc/ joint disease of the lumbar spine, radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities. Service connection was denied for diabetes mellitus type II.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to March 25, 2024 for the grant of service connection for tinnitus, sciatica, and PTSD have been denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea has been denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the inadequacy of the October 2019 VA examination reports.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the inadequacy of the October 2019 VA examination reports.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the inadequacy of the September 2019 VA medical opinions.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder is being remanded based on new military personnel records showing his deployment to Panama and Honduras.,The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to inadequate VA examination reports related to ankle disabilities.,The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to inadequate VA examination reports related to ankle disabilities.,The Veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded due to inadequate VA examination report.

The Veteran's back condition, including degenerative arthritis of the lumbar and thoracic spine as well as degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome, is granted. The right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy are also granted.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatica).,Service connection is also granted for sciatica, left lower extremity, as secondary to a service-connected lumbar spine disability. Similarly, service connection is granted for sciatica, right lower extremity, as secondary to a service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, both rated at 20 percent, effective July 12, 2021. The decision is based on the finding that these conditions are aggravated by the service-connected lumbar spine degenerative arthritis with spinal stenosis.

The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve is productive of moderate incomplete paralysis, and his claim for a higher disability evaluation has been granted with a 20 percent rating.

The Board has dismissed the appeals of service connection for sciatica nerve and sleep apnea as there was no specific error of fact or law at issue, and the claims were premature.

The Veteran withdrew all his appeals regarding various conditions and disabilities, including obstructive sleep apnea, left shoulder strain, degenerative arthritis, radiculopathy of the upper extremities, lateral epicondylitis, osteoarthritis, and allergic rhinitis. The appeal is dismissed as a result.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral strain, degenerative arthritis with vertebral fracture, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that these conditions are etiologically linked to active service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and initial ratings for his service-connected disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, low back disability, radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve in both lower extremities, and radiculopathy of the femoral nerve in both lower extremities are all rated at 20 percent each.,Entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied.

The Veteran's right and left upper extremity cervical radiculopathy with carpal tunnel syndrome were rated at 40 percent and 30 percent, respectively. The Board denied ratings in excess of these levels.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted with effective dates of April 18, 2023.