Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Board dismissed all issues on appeal as the May 2024 rating decision was a purely ministerial implementation of the April 2024 Board decision.

The Veteran's PTSD rating was reduced from 70 percent to 50 percent, effective February 20, 2025. The Board finds the reduction improper and restores the 70 percent disability rating for PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to inadequate VA examinations and a pre-decisional duty to assist error. Additional development is needed for service connection of carpal tunnel syndrome, increased ratings for lower extremity radiculopathies, and obtaining a VA TERA opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability, including associated bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy.,Service connection is also granted for left and right upper extremity radiculopathy secondary to the service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's migraines and fibromyalgia are presumed to have been caused by exposure to fine, particulate matter in Southwest Asia. The bilateral knee condition is at least as likely as not related to service. The low back disability is also at least as likely as not related to service. The bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy is at least as likely as not related to the service-connected low back disability. The acquired psychiatric disability (anxiety) is at least as likely as not related to service.,The Veteran's traumatic brain injury and cervical spine disabilities are remanded due to a lack of a VA examination.

An initial 30 percent rating for radiculopathy, right upper extremity, is granted.,An initial rating in excess of 20 percent for radiculopathy, left upper extremity, is denied.

The Board has granted effective dates of July 10, 2024 for service connection for PTSD, lumbar strain, and left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's left and right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve have been granted a 40 percent rating, while his left and right lower extremity radiculopathy of the femoral nerve have been granted a 30 percent rating.

The Board has granted service connection for radiculopathy, lower left extremity (claimed as chronic sciatica, left side) secondary to the service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's current disabilities are considered proximately due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment prior to August 14, 2023.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve of the left lower extremity is denied. The claims for an increased rating for strain of the right hip with limitation of extension and Individual Unemployability (TDIU) are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral lower and upper extremity neuropathies, finding that they are related to his in-service herbicide exposure (Agent Orange).

The Veteran's initial ratings for left and right leg radiculopathy (sciatic nerve) prior to August 18, 2022 were denied as they did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Neck Disability, and Bilateral Upper Extremity Radiculopathy. The decision is based on the Veteran's active service and medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for right foot disability status post Mitchell's bunionectomy is granted with an effective date of July 25, 2023.,The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for left foot disability status post Mitchell's bunionectomy is dismissed as it does not meet the criteria for an earlier effective date.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine degenerative arthritis. The claims for back pain and right upper extremity radiculopathy are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder and depression with anxious distress are granted as related to military sexual trauma during inactive duty for training.,An effective date of August 10, 2016, is granted for service connection of left sciatic radiculopathy.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities have been granted. The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for right knee disorder and left knee disorder due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance, leading to the grant of SMC based on aid and attendance.