Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2026

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities combine to preclude substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU.

The Veteran's service connection for lumbar radiculopathy affecting the femoral nerve of the left lower extremity was restored as it was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous, and the evidence showed this condition more likely than not began during active duty.

The Board has remanded the claims due to an inadequate statement of reasons or bases, and further evaluation is needed.

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis, left upper extremity neurological disability (C7/C8 cervical radulopathy and left ulnar neuropathy at the cubital tunnel), and right knee degenerative arthritis, right knee strain, and ACL tear.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings in excess of 20 percent for radiculopathy right and left lower extremities associated with low back strain, as well as an increased rating for low back strain, have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his claims.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for her knee conditions and TDIU have been dismissed as she has withdrawn them. The Board finds that the Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to her service-connected disabilities from May 10, 2010.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, finding that the Veteran's PTSD aggravated his pre-existing hypertension. Service connection was also granted for right lower extremity non-diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the sciatic nerve due to in-service toxic exposure risk activities (TERA).

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with IVDS and cervical spine strain with IVDS are currently rated at 40 percent and 30 percent, respectively. The Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating for these conditions.,The Veteran's right upper extremity radiculopathy has been rated at 20 percent prior to April 21, 2021, and 30 percent from April 21, 2021 to November 4, 2022. The Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating for this condition.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy of the femoral nerve, right lower extremity radiculopathy of the femoral nerve, and right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve prior to January 26, 2022.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's hair loss is granted as service connected.,Right lower extremity radiculopathy is granted as service connected and rated at 20 percent.,Left lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral nerve) is granted as service connected and rated at 20 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his low back disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 40 percent for his back disability or any rating above 10 percent for his right and left lower extremity radiculopathies.

The Veteran's bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy is granted as secondary to his service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to inadequate medical opinions and duty-to-assist errors.

The VA denied the appellant's claim for SMC based on a need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected PTSD, as his disabilities do not render him helpless or in need of regular aid and assistance.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar disorder, diagnosed as degenerative disc disease with spinal stenosis and intervertebral disc disorder with right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals as untimely, and no service connection was granted or denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development to obtain relevant VA treatment records and provide updated medical opinions. The appellant's thoracolumbar spine disability, as well as associated radiculopathy of both lower extremities, are still under review.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for financial assistance for automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment, or adaptive equipment only due to his remaining functional use of his feet.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to his service-connected DDD of the thoracic spine.