Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2026

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from August 7, 2012 to February 8, 2025 due to his service-connected disabilities. He was also granted basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits for the same period.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for low back disability and neck disability, as well as his claim for TDIU due to service connection issues. The AOJ will need to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine is related to his military service, and he has been granted service connection for this condition.,His right arm radiculopathy is also related to his military service, specifically due to a previous injury sustained during active duty.

The appeal has been dismissed as the Veteran's representative withdrew the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has confirmed the grant of service connection for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that it is caused by the Veteran's service-connected lower back disability.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for higher initial ratings for service-connected spondylosis at L4-5, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that the evidence did not show he was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy has been granted increased initial ratings of 40 percent, effective March 24, 2023.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a duty-to-assist error, specifically regarding inadequate opinions on the etiology of the Veteran's intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), right hip degenerative joint disease, and left lower extremity sciatic nerve problem. The issues related to right knee degenerative arthritis are also remanded as they are intertwined with the IVDS claim.

The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at a 20 percent rating, effective May 1, 2023.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings on several conditions, including migraines, bilateral hearing loss, hemorrhoids, and psychiatric disorder, was denied. The rating for migraine headaches remains at 50 percent, the maximum allowed under current criteria. Ratings for other conditions were also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his lumbar spine and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, result in loss of use of both feet. The Board has remanded the claims for entitlement to service connection for loss of bladder control and bowel control due to insufficient evidence at this time.

The Veteran's LLE radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve is rated at 60 percent, effective from February 8, 2024. The Board denied an increased rating for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected orthopedic disabilities necessitate the need for aid and assistance of another to care for herself or protect her from daily environment hazards.

The Veteran's right foot sprain and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine have been granted initial disability ratings. Service connection has also been established for generalized anxiety disorder, a right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and a right knee disorder.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various knee and back conditions have been denied. The lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, while the left and right lower extremity radiculopathies are each rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's back disability and sciatic nerve radiculopathy were granted a 40 percent rating, but not higher, with the exception of right and left lower extremity radiculopathy which was also granted a 40 percent rating. The appeal is remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sciatica, finding that there was no evidence linking her current condition to her military service.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left lower extremity radiculopathy is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available for incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve. The Board denied an increased evaluation as there was no evidence to support a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral upper extremity neurological conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome and radiculopathy, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his in-service neck injury.