Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The issues include service connection claims and evaluations for various conditions related to his femur osteochondroma.

The Veteran's sciatic neuralgia is related to his active military service, and the Board finds that service connection for this condition is warranted. The issue of bilateral hearing loss remains pending as it requires additional development.

The Board has determined that the evidence is approximately evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's lumbar spondylosis and lower extremity radiculopathy are related to service. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability, along with associated radiculopathy of the lower extremities, does not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU at any time during the period on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to report for scheduled VA examinations and the need to reschedule them. Additionally, a supplemental statement of the case must be issued as part of this process.

The Board has remanded the case for additional opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disorder and radiculopathy, specifically whether they are related to service-connected GSW residuals.

The Veteran's service-connected sciatic neuropathy of the right lower extremity was rated at 10 percent prior to December 8, 2011 and increased to 20 percent from that date. The Board found no evidence warranting an increase in rating beyond these levels.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for residual lumbar spine surgical scars has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's cervical spine strain is currently rated at 10 percent, and her service-connected disabilities do not prevent her from obtaining or maintaining a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent, the maximum schedular rating available for a severe lumbosacral strain with associated neurologic impairment. Service connection has also been granted for radiculopathy resulting from sciatica affecting the right lower extremity.

The Veteran's left leg sciatica has been manifested by mild incomplete paralysis prior to September 17, 2009 and moderate incomplete paralysis from September 17, 2009 to March 17, 2011. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for left leg sciatica prior to September 17, 2009 was denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease with left upper extremity radiculopathy, cervical spine is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of all relevant evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The Board notes that the Veteran has not provided sufficient evidence to establish a link between his current conditions and military service or Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 10 percent, and left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy is also present but not separately evaluated as it is part of the same disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining German medical records and a VA examination to address the etiology of his lumbar spine disorder with resulting bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including a new VA examination and requests for relevant medical records. The TDIU claim will also be remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or adaptive equipment, as her conditions do not result in loss of use of one or both feet.,The Veteran does not qualify for a certificate of eligibility for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to her inability to lift more than 15 pounds and engage in repetitive lifting.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain missing service treatment records and private medical records, as well as a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left sciatic neuropathy have not met the criteria for a compensable rating from June 26, 2009 to July 13, 2009. From July 13, 2009 to February 11, 2014, the Veteran's right and left sciatic neuropathy have not met the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's right lower extremity sciatica was rated at 40 percent prior to July 26, 2012 and at 60 percent from that date. The decision is mixed as some issues were granted while others were denied.