Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2026

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left and right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy were denied as the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board denied restoration of the 30 percent and 20 percent ratings for radiculopathy of the left upper extremity and right upper extremity, respectively.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all the listed conditions and rating issues, resulting in their dismissal.

The Veteran's initial rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve (right sciatica) was granted at a 20 percent level, while her back disability remains rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher level of special monthly compensation (SMC) and need for regular aid and attendance of another person is remanded due to the need for new VA examinations to determine the current nature and severity of his service-connected disabilities, as well as the need for private medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's TDIU and SMC at the housebound rate are granted as of January 5, 2021 due to his service-connected lumbosacral strain with spinal fusion and IVDS.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and TDIU/DEA are being remanded due to the assignment of new effective dates.,Effective dates have been granted for CRD, DM, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities. The RO is instructed to assign appropriate initial ratings and adjudicate the remaining TDIU and DEA claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for groin, left knee, GERD, IBS, and left lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors. The Veteran must undergo VA examinations and obtain medical opinions regarding his claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran requires regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, low back disability, peripheral vascular diseases of both lower extremities, diabetes mellitus, tinnitus, radiculopathy of both lower extremities, erectile dysfunction, onychomycosis, hypertension, and skin cancer. As a result, the Veteran is granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy was granted, with a separate 30 percent rating assigned for the femoral nerve impairment. Service connection for tinnitus was also granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, TBI, and cognitive disorder, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since July 19, 2023. The Board has granted an earlier effective date for the TDIU with SMC based on housebound criteria.

The Veteran's cervical spondylosis, right ankle disability, and upper extremity radiculopathy disabilities are being remanded for additional examinations to determine their severity prior to September 6, 2024.,The Veteran's right lateral epicondylitis (limitation of pronation) and painful motion disabilities are also being remanded for additional examination to assess their severity prior to September 6, 2024. Effective dates will be granted upon resolution of these issues.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral eye disability (keratoconus), lumbar DDD, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to lumbar DDD, and right hip osteoarthritis. Service connection was denied for left hip disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations and service connection were denied, with the effective date being fixed in accordance with the facts found.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, have rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted TDIU based on this finding.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for service connection of genital herpes was dismissed as the issue was not properly on appeal.,The appeal for service connection of benign neoplasm of the thyroid s/p thyroid lobectomy was also dismissed due to a lack of timely filing of a Notice of Disagreement.

The Veteran's lumbar spine condition is rated at 40 percent, effective as of the date of this decision. The rating for hernia and radiculopathy conditions are dismissed due to lack of evidence supporting service connection.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of February 19, 2019 for the award of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable initial rating for allergic rhinitis is denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome is denied.