Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2026

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions have been dismissed due to their death.

PTSD rated at 50% effective January 21, 2020.,Right sciatic nerve and left sciatic nerve each rated at 10% prior to December 1, 2022. Both are now rated at 20% from December 1, 2022.,Radiculopathy of the right femoral nerve rated at 20% from December 1, 2022; radiculopathy of the left femoral nerve also rated at 20% from December 1, 2022.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical examination for rating right sciatic radiculopathy. The Veteran's claim of a higher disability rating is now pending and will be addressed after a new medical evaluation.

The Veteran's right and left lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve) are granted with ratings of 40 percent each.,The Veteran's right and left lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral nerve) are denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's seizure disorder is granted as service-connected. The remaining issues of increased ratings for ankle and lumbar spine conditions, as well as sleep-wake disorders are remanded.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating for compensation based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities effective January 3, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status was denied because the evidence did not show he required regular aid and assistance due to his service-connected disabilities, nor was he permanently bedridden. The Board found that while the Veteran had difficulty with medication management and some activities, he could still bathe/shower, eat, dress, etc., without assistance.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment after his last date of employment on March 30, 2018. The Board has granted a TDIU effective from March 31, 2018.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased rating have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeals.

The Board has determined that the VA rating decision denying a higher disability rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy is flawed due to duty-to-assist errors and remands the case for further development.

The Board has granted effective dates of July 26, 2023 for the awards of service connection for right and left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, as well as external popliteal radiculopathy. The Veteran's left knee strain and patellar instability have also been awarded an effective date of July 26, 2023.,An initial 50 percent rating has been granted for migraines.

The Veteran's radiculopathy, right lower extremity is currently rated at 20 percent and the Board has granted this rating.,The Veteran's left upper ulnar nerve neuropathy with cubital tunnel syndrome (non-dominant) is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board has denied any higher ratings for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral strain, left lower extremity femoral nerve radiculopathy, and left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is found to be directly related to his active-duty service. His left lower extremity radiculopathies are also found to be due to his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need for additional medical examinations. The appeals are now pending before the AOJ.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to errors in obtaining relevant medical records and potential TERA development. The Veteran is also asked to provide additional information regarding his hypertension.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus, lumbar strain, bilateral lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, and bilateral hip disability on the basis that these conditions are related to active duty service due to aggravation of preexisting disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, intervertebral disc syndrome, cervical radiculopathy of the bilateral upper extremities, and neuropathy/radiculopathy/neurogenic claudication of the bilateral lower extremities, have rendered him in need of regular aid and assistance. The Board has granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the regular need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's lower extremity radiculopathy and upper extremity paralysis have been granted initial ratings of 20 percent, but no higher.,The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome (IDVS) remains remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain and right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding the effects of medication on his conditions.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a cervical spine disability and an increased rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy. The lumbar spine disability issue is also being remanded.