Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2026

The Board has determined that there were errors in the development of the Veteran's claims prior to the February 2025 decision, and thus these cases are being remanded for further examination and consideration.

The Board has granted service connection for the lumbar spine disability and radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities with effective dates of December 22, 2022. The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his lumbar spine disability and sciatic nerve radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities have been denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including epilepsy, prostate cancer, and lumbar DDD, necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance from his spouse. The Board has granted SMC based on this need.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for intervertebral disc syndrome with spinal stenosis and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, sciatic nerve are being remanded due to outstanding medical records and inadequate prior VA examinations.

The Veteran's bilateral sciatic nerve impairments and mid-thoracic scar status post lipoma excision were denied as service connection was not established due to failure to report for VA examinations, lack of evidence linking the conditions to service or toxic exposures, and no positive nexus opinion.

The Veteran's appeal of the proposed reduction in disability rating for RLE radiculopathy, sciatic nerve from 10% to noncompensable was dismissed. The reduction from 10% to noncompensable effective January 29, 2020 is upheld, but restoration of the 10% rating is denied. Entitlement to a compensable rating for RLE radiculopathy, sciatic nerve from January 29, 2020 to December 16, 2020 is denied.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for thoracolumbar strain, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy from July 2, 1992 are being remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar facet joint arthropathy, degenerative disc disease, foraminal/lateral recess central stenosis, degenerative spondylolisthesis, spondylolysis/isthmic spondylolisthesis and intervertebral disc syndrome, as well as right lower extremity sciatic radulopathy and left lower extremity sciatic radulopathy. These conditions are found to be related to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is granted, while his claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, left shoulder disorder, and right shoulder disorder are denied. The Board also notes that the Veteran's service connection claim for hypertension was not addressed in this decision.

The appeal for a higher rating for radiculopathy left lower extremity and right lower extremity is dismissed.,The appeal seeking an earlier effective date for the grant of 30 percent for bilateral hearing loss is dismissed as already pending in the legacy system.,The appeal for TDIU prior to April 4, 2018, is dismissed as already pending in the legacy system.,The claim for a compensable rating for a scar on the back is dismissed.

The Board has granted an effective date of May 15, 2013 for the Veteran's TDIU and DEA benefits claims based on continuous pursuit of his claim since May 15, 2013. The effective dates are fixed in accordance with the facts found.

The Veteran's appeal for severance of service connection for left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy with sural neuropathy based on clear and unmistakable error was denied. The appeal for an initial evaluation of right lower extremity (RLE) sciatic radiculopathy in excess of 10 percent disabling was also denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations have been remanded due to procedural errors in the examination process and lack of adequate notice.

The Board has determined that there was a duty to assist error regarding the Veteran's housebound status determination, and thus remands the case for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in both lower extremities have been granted with effective dates of September 20, 2024.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him so helpless as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person, meeting the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus type II, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, aching muscles, nocturia, depression, anxiety, hypercholesterolemia, and hyperlipidemia have been denied. The Board found that there is no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disorder, left lower extremity radiculopathy, neck disorder, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and left shoulder disorder. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active duty.,A noncompensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was also denied.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings were denied.,A TDIU was granted beginning September 30, 2019.

The Board has granted earlier effective dates of October 20, 2021 for the service connection of Multiple Sclerosis and its associated conditions (right lower extremity sciatic nerve involvement affecting gait, visual defects, and erectile dysfunction).