Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2026

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities is granted as service connected.,Bilateral plantar fasciitis, right foot hallux valgus, and right foot hammer toes are each granted a 10 percent disability rating effective May 16, 2022.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and polyneuropathy of the sciatic and femoral nerves, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted TDIU based on these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified depressive disorder, lumbosacral strain, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy caused an inability to protect himself against daily environment hazards starting October 20, 2020. Effective October 20, 2020, the Veteran is granted SMC based on need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's disability ratings for sciatic and femoral nerve radiculopathies in both lower extremities were reinstated, while DEA benefits under Chapter 35 were dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection claims were denied. The rating in excess of 30 percent for major depressive disorder with anxious distress and alcohol use disorder was denied, as the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. Hypertension and allergic rhinitis were also denied as they did not meet the required diagnostic criteria.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and their impact on his ability to use a mobility scooter for SAH. The Veteran needs an examination to determine if his conditions have worsened enough to require SAH.

The Veteran's right knee strain with degenerative joint disease and instability, as well as his lower extremity radiculopathies (femoral and sciatic nerves), are now rated at 30 percent effective July 12, 2022.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for leukocytosis is granted. The Board finds the evidence in balance, granting the benefit of doubt to the Veteran.,For his spine disability, the Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent is denied as there is no evidence showing forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, or incapacitating episodes in the past year.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy was granted with an effective date of May 4, 2023. The Board found that the entitlement to this condition arose prior to the date of his claim.

The Veteran's right and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy have been granted increased ratings, while the right lower extremity sciatic nerve peripheral neuropathy and left lower extremity sciatic nerve peripheral neuropathy remain denied. A separate rating of 10 percent has also been granted for right lower extremity femoral nerve neuropathy.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and work history, leading to a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's claim for travel expenses to the Reno VAMC on May 18, 2022 was granted as he could not have received his primary care at a closer VA facility.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and cervical spine degenerative disc disease are remanded due to inadequate pre-decisional duty to assist errors.,The Veteran's secondary service connection claim for bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy is also remanded as the AOJ failed to identify and develop a potential intermediate step of obesity as an intermediate factor in causing his OSA. The toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) associated with the Veteran's service locations prior to August 10, 2022, is also remanded.,The Veteran's claim for TERA related to burn pit exposure is remanded due to inadequate pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, lumbar myelopathy, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and loss of use of bladder, to include with catheter. The Veteran's claims were not supported by credible evidence or medical opinion.

The appeal regarding hypertension is dismissed. The appeals for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, including degenerative arthritis and strain, as well as sciatica in both the right and left lower extremities. The decision is based on evidence showing that these conditions are related to an in-service motor vehicle accident injury.

The Veteran is unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected musculoskeletal disabilities, which render him unemployable.

The Veteran's disability rating for left leg radiculopathy with sciatic nerve involvement was reduced from 20 percent to 10 percent, effective November 18, 2019. The reduction is granted as the evidence did not show actual improvement in her condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected low back disability, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and seizure disorder have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and occupational experience.