Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2026

The Veteran's right and left lower extremity femoral nerve radiculopathy are granted an increased rating of 20 percent, but no higher.

The Board has granted increased disability ratings of 20 percent for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, finding moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, back disability, and various peripheral neuropathies, render him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his inability to perform daily activities independently. The Board found that the evidence was in balance, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran, granting SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board granted an earlier effective date of April 2, 1997 for the award of service connection for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy based on clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in a June 2019 rating decision. The effective dates were revised to reflect that the Veteran's back disability was incurred or aggravated in service.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy was denied increased ratings prior to June 3, 2014 and from June 3, 2014 to February 2, 2021. The rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy remained at 20% after June 3, 2014.

The Veteran's right and left upper extremity radiculopathy have been granted effective from September 21, 2017, with a 40% rating for the right upper extremity and a 30% rating for the left upper extremity.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment prior to June 5, 2024.

The Board has dismissed all appeals related to the Veteran's claims for increased ratings, as he withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being issued.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine condition, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and right upper extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right upper extremity is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 8511.,The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left upper extremity is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 8511.,The Veteran's TMJ disorder is currently rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran is granted SMC based on the need for aid and attendance at the 38 U.S.C. � 1114(n 1/2) rate, but no higher, prior to January 25, 2019 and from March 1, 2019, due to his service-connected depressive disorder alone causing him to be in need of regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's RLE radiculopathy is granted with a 20 percent rating, effective from the date of the decision. The initial ratings for fibromyalgia and IBS remain denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy have been granted. The claims for service connection for depressive disorder and anxiety disorder have been dismissed due to improper concurrent elections. The claim for TDIU has been remanded.

The Veteran's initial ratings of 30 and 40 percent for radiculopathy, left and right upper extremities, respectively, are granted from June 10, 2008, but not earlier.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection due to the appellant's request for withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to lack of loss of use resulting from his disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for a back disability and for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity due to procedural errors. The Veteran needs to be provided with adequate VA examinations to evaluate his disabilities, including consideration of the ameliorative effects of pain medication.

The Board has denied requests for earlier effective dates and compensable ratings for various service-connected conditions, but granted a TDIU from September 10, 2003.

The Veteran has withdrawn their appeals regarding increased ratings and earlier effective dates for various conditions, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Lumbar Spine Disability, Radiculopathies, Hip Limitations, Migraine Headache Disorder, IBS, and GERD.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right lower extremity (sciatic nerve) is granted a rating of 20 percent, but no higher. Service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and headaches are denied.