Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2026

The appeal of left upper extremity radiculopathy (claimed as left hand numbness) is dismissed. The appeals for bilateral eye light sensitivity, bilateral foot condition, migraines headaches, and right hand numbness in fingers are all denied.

The Board has decided to remand the issue of service connection for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, as it was not properly addressed due to a duty-to-assist error. The Veteran's symptoms were noted during Guard/Reserve Active Service and he claims they are related to his low back disability.

The Veteran's service-connected right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, sciatic nerve, prevented him from engaging in substantially gainful employment as of May 31, 2023. The Board granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis effective that date.

The Veteran's right and left lower extremity radiculopathy are each granted a 20 percent rating.,Prior to February 27, 2025, the Veteran's unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder is granted a 70 percent rating. After that date, any higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected radiculopathy is being remanded for further examination to differentiate symptoms attributable to service-connected conditions from nonservice-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been dismissed due to their death.

The Veteran's claims for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy have been granted in full, but the issues are dismissed as moot.,The Veteran's claim for a chronic headache disorder has been denied.

The Veteran's right and left lumbar radiculopathy involving the sciatic nerve are rated at 20 percent each, effective August 20, 2019.,Service connection for a dental disability (claimed as dental deterioration) is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a neurological disorder of the left lower extremity involving the sciatic nerve as secondary to service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine. The cervical spine disability claim is remanded.

The Veteran's TDIU and SMC at the housebound rate are granted due to his service-connected disabilities, including migraine headaches, adjustment disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, chronic fatigue syndrome, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating for individual unemployability (TDIU) effective December 29, 2011.,The Veteran's eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits pursuant to 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 is also granted as of December 29, 2011.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's death, and no service connection was granted for any of the claimed radiculopathy conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his low back disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions considering the ameliorative effects of medication.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, along with other disabilities, has rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. Additionally, he is eligible for special monthly compensation at the housebound rate due to his multiple service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's depression is granted as secondary to service-connected disabilities. The back disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy are each granted a 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's hypertension, back condition with right leg sciatica, and left and right knee conditions are all granted. The Veteran's PTSD is denied for an increased rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from working, and he has the necessary skills to transition into suitable employment without direct intervention of Chapter 31 benefits.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lumbar spine strain, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and major depressive disorder, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since April 30, 2015.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral neurological disorder, cervical disorder, and status post mammoplasty. The claims were remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's TDIU based on unspecified psychotic disorder is granted for the period from August 10, 2007 to October 14, 2021. The claim of entitlement to a TDIU beginning on October 14, 2021 is dismissed as moot due to the grant of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability.