Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Board granted service connection for mild broad-based disc bulge L4-L5 resulting in mild central canal stenosis pain of the lumbar spine and right lower extremity (RLE) radiculopathy, but denied service connection for restless leg syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for diverticulitis, and an initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis. The Board also granted a 10 percent rating for seborrheic dermatitis, dermatitis, and tinea versicolor.

The Board granted service connection for a back disability, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, left knee disorder, GERD, and IBS as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD was granted, while other claims for increased ratings were denied or partially granted.

The Board dismissed the claims for service connection for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy as there was a full grant of benefits in a subsequent rating decision.

The Board granted service connection for IVDS, left and right lower extremity radiculopathies (sciatic and femoral nerves), and increased the rating for PTSD and claustrophobia to 70 percent. The right knee condition and erectile dysfunction were remanded.

The Board granted service connection for COPD from August 10, 2022, under the PACT Act and remanded other claims for further development.

The Board granted an earlier effective date of August 9, 2023, for the award of service connection and increased rating.

The Board granted service connection for lumbar intervertebral disc syndrome with strain and radiculopathy, right lower extremity as secondary to the lumbar condition.

The Board granted an earlier effective date of June 21, 2010 for service connection of left and right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board granted an increased 60 percent disability rating for radiculopathy in both the right and left lower extremities, effective May 15, 2022.

The Board granted service connection for chronic headaches and an initial evaluation of 20 percent, but no higher, for right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), while denying service connection for dermatitis, tremors of the right hand, and other conditions.

The Board remands the case for additional VA examinations to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Board granted increased ratings of 40 percent for the Veteran's radiculopathy of both lower extremities, but denied earlier effective dates and special monthly compensation.

The Board granted earlier effective dates of April 22, 2015, for the award of service connection for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy but denied increased ratings.

The Board denied the appeal for initial increased disability evaluations in excess of 10 percent for both left and right sciatica, as well as earlier effective dates prior to December 13, 2017.

The appeal for a rating in excess of 30 percent for cervical spine disability and RUE radiculopathy was withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of these claims. The Board granted special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board remands the issues of entitlement to increased ratings for degenerative joint disease, right hip, with bone graft residuals; right lower radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve; and right lower radiculopathy of the femoral nerve due to a need for additional development.

The Board granted service connection for several conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disability and cervical spine disability, and denied higher ratings for some disabilities.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 70 percent for right upper extremity radiculopathy and denied ratings in excess of 20, 30, and 40 percent for the right shoulder disability from March 2, 2015, to June 14, 2023, and April 22, 2025, respectively.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for the award of service connection and increased ratings for sciatic nerve radiculopathy and lumbar spine disability, except for a 40 percent rating from March 28, 2023.