Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated treatment records and a VA examination for his intervertebral disc syndrome. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claim.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine degenerative disc and joint disease, radiculopathy of the upper extremities as secondary to service-connected cervical spine degenerative disc and joint disease, lumbar spine degenerative disc and joint disease, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity as secondary to service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc and joint disease. The Veteran's current disabilities are related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar strain with DDD and IVDS. The rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy remains at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for his back conditions, including cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the service connection claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's upper extremity neurological disability, including carpal tunnel syndrome, is a result of his service-connected diabetes.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the issues can be adjudicated on the merits.

The Veteran's hypertension is not rated higher than noncompensable due to blood pressure readings consistently below the threshold for a compensable rating.,For his low back disability, the evidence does not support an initial rating in excess of 20 percent as there is no indication of favorable ankylosis or significant functional impairment. The Veteran's radiculopathy has also been rated appropriately based on its associated neurologic findings.,The separate rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy remains appropriate given the service-connected lumbar spine disability, and the left lower extremity radiculopathy is rated as 20 percent disabling overall.,For his left shoulder disability, a compensable rating of 20 percent has been granted based on limited motion, pain, and excess fatigability.

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder has been granted a 70 percent rating, effective from March 19, 2011.,His right upper extremity radiculopathy and left upper extremity radiculopathy have both been granted initial ratings of 40 percent and 30 percent respectively.

The appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining records from the Social Security Administration and adjudicating a claim for an increased rating for the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder with lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy was dismissed due to withdrawal. The Veteran's hypertension, which is currently controlled by medication, warrants a 10 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected lumbar disability, radiculopathy of the bilateral upper extremities, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent for left leg venous insufficiency.

The Veteran has withdrawn all issues on appeal, including those related to his right elbow strain with right biceps tendonitis, degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, and radiculopathy of the bilateral upper extremities.

The Veteran's appeals for various conditions and disability ratings have been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's neck and upper back disability is etiologically related to her active duty service.,The Board has also determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder (MDD) is caused by her service-connected lumbar and cervical disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected thoracic spine disability is found to be the cause of her left buttock sciatica. For migraine headaches, a rating in excess of 30 percent prior to April 7, 2014 and 50 percent thereafter has been granted.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent effective November 28, 2012. Prior to this date, the disability was rated as 10 percent and after October 2, 2015, it is rated at 20 percent for left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy.

The Veteran's appeal was decided on multiple issues related to service connection, effective dates, and increased ratings for various disabilities. The claims were generally granted with some exceptions.

The Veteran's gastroenteritis and migraine headaches have been granted service connection.,Service connection for lower extremity nerve pain, asthma, and obstructive sleep apnea is pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a Board hearing by live videoconference. The case will be returned to the Board after scheduling the requested hearing.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been rated as appropriate based on the severity of his symptoms. The Board finds that he is unemployable due to these disabilities.