Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2026

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, specifically her left lower extremity radiculopathy, have resulted in the permanent loss of use of her left foot for the purposes of establishing eligibility for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment. As such, she is granted this benefit.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for a cervical spine disorder and right upper extremity radiculopathy have been dismissed as the Veteran has withdrawn these appeals.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate due to his ability to perform most activities of daily living independently despite some limitations.

The Veteran's right lower extremity sciatic nerve pain in leg and gluteal region is granted as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability.,The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis is granted a 10 percent rating, with no relief from both non-surgical and surgical treatment.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability and bilateral lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy due to service or a service-connected disability, diabetes, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, erectile dysfunction (ED), and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The decision also remanded the claim for bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for lumbosacral strain and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been denied. The VA examiner found that the Veteran’s range of motion did not meet criteria for higher ratings due to pain, weakness, or other factors.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability is associated with left upper extremity radiculopathy, and he has been granted a 30 percent rating for this condition. His right upper extremity radiculopathy is rated at 50 percent. The right anterior neck scar status post cervical fusion does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board is remanding the claims for cervical spine disorder, left shoulder disorder, right upper extremity cervical radiculopathy, and left upper extremity cervical radiculopathy due to duty-to-assist errors.,The Board is also remanding the claim for obstructive sleep apnea as there was a duty-to-assist error prior to the July 2024 rating decision.

The Board denied the appellant's request for attorney fees related to past-due benefits from the February 2025 grant of service connection and SMC housebound claims.

The Board has granted effective dates of August 22, 2023 for the awards of service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease (CAD), special monthly compensation based on housebound criteria (SMC), and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities.

The Veteran's radiculopathy, sciatic nerve, left leg is granted as secondary to his service-connected lumbosacral strain, intervertebral disc syndrome, with degenerative arthritis. The right leg radiculopathy is also granted at a 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions have been granted, including lumbar spine DDD, cervical spine disorder, LEFT shoulder disorder, bilateral ankle disorders, and basal cell carcinoma of the skin. Secondary service connection has also been established for radiculopathy in both lower extremities.

The Veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates of service connection awards for various hip and shoulder conditions have been dismissed due to concurrent elections.,An earlier effective date claim for the right shoulder disability has also been dismissed.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that these conditions had their onset during active duty and are related to his in-service injuries.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to December 21, 2020 was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder with cannabis use disorder and radiculopathies of the lower extremities, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since September 24, 2014. Effective that date, he is granted a TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and diabetic neuropathy, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that TDIU is granted effective August 10, 2022.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities is rated at 40 percent, effective March 15, 2024. The claim for higher ratings prior to this date has been denied.

The Veteran's right upper extremity radiculopathy is rated at 40 percent since the period prior to September 24, 2019.,The Veteran's left upper extremity radiculopathy is rated at 40 percent from April 29, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected back condition and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve have been rated appropriately, with a temporary 100% rating for his back condition from March 16, 2012 to July 31, 2012, and September 1, 2018 to September 30, 2018. The Veteran's initial 10% rating for a back scar has been granted.