Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2026

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that there is no current evidence of a diagnosed disability or any link to his service-connected lumbosacral strain.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder and right upper extremity radiculopathy have been granted service connection.,An initial 50% rating for tension headaches has also been granted, along with a TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left ankle disability, bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy, and neck/cervical spine disabilities based on evidence in approximate balance showing a causal relationship between these conditions and his active duty service.

The Board has granted effective dates of March 7, 2023 for the awards of service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy and neurogenic bladder.,The Board also granted earlier effective dates of March 7, 2023 for increased ratings of PTSD (now rated as 70 percent) and hypertension (rated at 10 percent).

The Board has granted earlier effective dates of July 18, 2022 for service connection for radiculopathy in the right lower extremity, femoral nerve; lower bilateral extremity sciatic nerve; and bilateral lower extremity, external cutaneous nerve of thigh.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the inadequacy of the VA examination and a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The claims for higher ratings for left and right lower extremity sciatic and peroneal nerve involvement are being remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy and right lower extremity radiculopathy have been dismissed.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for right hallux valgus, tinea pedis, vertigo and dizziness, bilateral pes planus, and left hallux valgus have been granted.

The Board has found that the Veteran requires personal care services for a minimum of six continuous months based on his inability to perform activities of daily living and need for supervision or protection due to symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment. The VA will now evaluate whether participation in the PCAFC program is in the Veteran's best interest.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lower back disability, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy were denied as the evidence did not show ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine or forward flexion to 30 degrees or less.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve have been granted higher initial ratings to 70% and 20%, respectively. The decision also notes that his alcohol use disorder is not considered in determining service connection.

The Board has found that new evidence supports the readjudication of the claim for service connection for migraine headaches. The appeal regarding left and right upper extremity radiculopathy is dismissed as the benefit sought on appeal has been fully granted.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back condition and left lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that the Veteran's conditions began in or were caused by her active military service.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar spine disability as moot because it was already granted in a separate appeal. The upper extremity radiculopathy claim is being remanded due to a duty to assist error.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disorder and radiculopathy of the right upper extremity were denied due to lack of new and material evidence.,The effective date for the grant of service connection for these conditions was not earlier than April 22, 2016.

The Veteran's appeal to restore a 20% disability rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy was denied. The VA determined that the evidence did not show improvement in his condition, leading to a reduction from 10% to 0%. No new or relevant evidence was submitted.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities, instability of the right and left knees, and bilateral pes planus have been granted increased ratings.,Issues regarding limitation of motion with arthritis of the right and left knees, as well as a rating for bilateral pes planus prior to December 7, 2021, were withdrawn from appeal.

The Board has remanded the appeal due to errors in obtaining relevant records and conducting a VA examination. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings, TDIU, and SMC based on need for aid and attendance are being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions have been denied. The Board found no evidence to support the claimed disabilities being incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and multiple nerve injuries, make it impossible for him to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted TDIU based on the combined effect of these conditions.

The Veteran's back condition is now rated at 40 percent, effective September 29, 2020.,Service connection has been granted for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy.