Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2026

The Board has granted service connection for a thoracolumbar disability, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy (left and right), and bilateral hearing loss. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service symptoms and medical records showing continuity of symptomatology.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require the aid and attendance of another person, warranting special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The Board finds that the evidence does not establish presumptive service connection based on Gulf War Syndrome, and further development is needed to determine if these conditions qualify as undiagnosed illnesses or MUCMIs.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for irritable bowel syndrome, rhinitis, and sinusitis with sinus headaches were denied. Service connection was granted for major depressive disorder but only due to reasonable doubt in favor of the claimant. The right lower extremity sciatic radicular pain claim was also denied as it was not service-connected.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to July 25, 2016 for the award of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The Board found that there was no factually ascertainable increase in disability within one year prior to September 18, 2015, and thus did not warrant a TDIU.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities has been increased to a 20 percent rating, effective November 8, 2025.,A 10 percent disability rating is granted for the Veteran's surgical scar, left knee.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity (RLE), sciatic nerve, LLE radiculopathy, sciatic nerve, RLE radiculopathy, femoral nerve, and LLE radiculopathy, femoral and sciatic nerves have been remanded due to procedural errors in the rating decisions.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for the award of a 40 percent rating for lumbar spine disability and grants of service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, both effective June 21, 2024.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings and effective dates have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals.,The Board also remanded several issues related to service connection, including right knee osteoarthritis, IVDS, chronic right wrist sprain, OSA, COPD, and other conditions.

The Veteran's petition to readjudicate the claims for service connection for right upper extremity radiculopathy and left upper extremity radiculopathy as secondary to a neck disorder is granted.,The Veteran's petition to readjudicate the claim of service connection for a back disorder as secondary to service-connected right tibia stress fracture with shin splints and left knee status post arthroscopy debridement and MACI sampling is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's eligibility for PCAFC is remanded due to a lack of an adequate medical opinion supporting the denial. The VA must obtain an updated opinion from the CEAT regarding whether the Veteran requires personal care services, supervision or protection based on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment or injury, and needs regular extensive instruction or supervision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, except for eczema and skin rash, are associated with his subsequent period of active duty after he received separation pay. Therefore, the appeal is granted as recoupment of the Veteran's separation pay in the amount of $13,271.16 is improper.

The Veteran withdrew all appeals regarding the increased disability ratings and service connection for various conditions, including left sciatic nerve palsy post fractured femur, psychiatric disability, surgical scars over the buttocks and left thigh, and obstructive sleep apnea. The Board has dismissed these appeals as a result.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder and sleep apnea, have resulted in a combined rating of 100 percent. He is already receiving special monthly compensation at the housebound rate due to his service-connected disabilities. Therefore, the issue of entitlement to a TDIU is moot.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and urinary incontinence has been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of these claims.,Service connection for bilateral wrist carpal tunnel syndrome was granted, with the Board finding that the Veteran had significant bilateral wrist and hand pain during service which continued since.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted service connection with an effective date of July 23, 2020. The claim for a higher disability evaluation and TDIU is still pending.,An earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for sciatic nerve RLE radiculopathy is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral upper extremity condition, including cervical radiculopathy, finding that it is not related to his military service and is not secondary to any of his service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability, lower back scar, and radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities. Service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability is denied.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection for low back and right lower extremity radicular disabilities must be remanded due to inadequate examinations and opinions provided in previous remands.

The Veteran's service-connected L5-S1 disc rupture, left and right lower extremity radiculopathies are rated at 40 percent since October 6, 2020.