Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a TBI and/or residuals thereof, right ankle disorder, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and esophageal disorder have been denied. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's low back disability has been rated as 10 percent disabling, and his right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy have each been rated as 10 percent disabling. The appeal is granted for the right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his degenerative disc disease with low back pain is granted, but the issue of extraschedular TDIU rating remains pending as it is unclear if this appeal involves service connection.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative disease of the lumbar spine and radiculopathy of the lower right extremity, finding that there was no direct or secondary service connection based on the evidence presented.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, including muscle spasms, is rated at 40 percent. Service connection for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities are granted as secondary to the lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU throughout the entire period on appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of radiculopathy of the left lower extremity and denied his claims for service connection. The claim for increased rating for lumbar strain is also denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including an addendum medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's sciatica and pyriformis syndrome were aggravated by his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the appellant notifying the Board of their desire to withdraw the appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The appellant's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since June 14, 2011.

The Veteran's current low back disorder is due to in-service injuries and has been granted service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected lower facet joint disease and to determine the nature and etiology of his erectile dysfunction.

The Board finds that the appellant's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, thus denying his claim for TDIU.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected left upper extremity radiculopathy and migraine headaches, effective March 17, 2016.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a combined effects medical opinion and consideration of all evidence of record.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on current evidence.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied.,Service connection has not been established for a left hand condition, bilateral upper extremities condition, or an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, sciatic nerve impairment, bilateral hip disability, and bilateral knee disability. The claim for residuals of a cold injury to the right hand is pending.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records, as well as employment information from prior employers. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities will be evaluated by medical professionals.