Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service connection claim for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine is granted, as it was incurred in active service.,Service connection is also granted for right C-7 radiculopathy, which is secondary to his now service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's shoulder disability. The issues of service connection for degenerative arthritis, right shoulder, and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for carpal tunnel syndrome in the right hand are pending.

The Veteran's left lower extremity disability was rated at 20 percent prior to February 25, 2015 and increased to 40 percent from that date. The Board found the evidence did not support a higher rating for any period of time.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is rated at the maximum schedular evaluation, and he meets the criteria for TDIU as of June 12, 2015.

The Board has granted service connection for the claimed conditions, finding that they are secondary to the Veteran's service-connected low back disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have radiculopathy of either upper extremity and therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his educational and occupational background from December 17, 2015.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for increased ratings for service-connected fractured 8th thoracic vertebrae and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity due to additional evidence added by VA. The Veteran's treatment records from May 2017 to present need to be obtained, and an SSOC must be issued considering all evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine with left sciatica was denied as it did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to inadequate examination reports and opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is not related to his active duty service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for increased ratings for lumbosacral spine disability and a higher initial rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy, thus the issues are dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical spine degenerative disc disease and right upper extremity radiculopathy were denied as her conditions did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left sciatic neuropathy and a need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's lumbar degenerative disc disease and right lumbosacral radiculopathy have been evaluated based on their current manifestations, with the highest ratings granted for each condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, and thus his claims are denied.

The Board has ordered additional development for the Veteran's claims, including VA examinations to address his cervical spine, right hand, lumbar spine, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) claims. The Veteran will be provided with a comprehensive examination to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability is not etiologically related to service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right leg and right foot disabilities are not related to his service, and thus denied both claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for DJD of the lumbar spine, left knee, and right knee were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations.,The claim for right lower extremity radiculopathy was also denied.