Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity were denied. The Board found that her symptoms did not warrant a rating higher than 20 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability, along with her bilateral cervical radiculopathy, has rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since March 18, 2004. The Board also granted special monthly compensation (SMC) for the periods from January 31, 2007 to May 1, 2007 and from September 18, 2008 to present.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to inadequate examination reports and other procedural issues.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depressive disorder and lumbar spine disability, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since December 19, 2011. The effective date for the award of TDIU is set at December 19, 2011.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disorder, finding that his disorders were aggravated by his service-connected right shoulder disorder. The effective date is not specified.

The Board denied service connection for a right shoulder disorder, low back disorder, left hip disorder, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and right ankle disorder. The evidence did not support the Veteran's claims of in-service injury or disease.,There is no credible evidence linking any current disabilities to service.

The Veteran's TBI and PTSD have been granted separate ratings, with the TBI receiving a 40 percent rating effective January 19, 2012. The Veteran has also been granted a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss is denied, but he received higher initial ratings of 20 percent for his right and left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar myositis was denied. The issues of service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy and TDIU were remanded due to conflicting medical evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable due to his inability to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of sciatica, left foot drop/left-sided weakness, and lumbar spine disability has been reopened. Secondary service connection is granted for these conditions due to the service-connected cervical spine disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of a back disability is denied.,Effective dates are granted for the grant of service connection for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, both from November 30, 2010.,The Veteran’s TDIU claim is remanded due to lack of schedular rating requirements.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD) with degenerative arthritis and right lower extremity radiculopathy due to new evidence and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to new evidence provided by the Veteran.

The Veteran's increased rating claim for her left lower extremity sciatica is remanded due to the failure to issue a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC) after new evidence was added to the record.

The Board has remanded several issues including service connection for hypertension, the severance of service connection for lower extremity radiculopathy, and evaluations for wrist and knee conditions. Additional Social Security Administration records are needed to support these appeals.

The Board has denied service connection for migraine headaches and remanded the issues of an increased rating for lumbar spine disability, service connection for radiculopathy in both lower extremities, and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for further examination and clarification of the appellant's lumbar spine disability, including radiculopathy. The effective date remains pending.

The Board has granted service connection for L5-S1 lytic spondylolisthesis and radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities as secondary to service-connected L5-S1 lytic spondylolisthesis.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's sleep hypopnea, specifically whether it is related to service or secondary to medications for his service-connected disabilities.