Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2018

The reduction of the rating for degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine with scoliosis from 40 to 20 percent, effective November 1, 2014, was restored.,An increased rating in excess of 40 percent for low back disability and an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for radiculopathy, right lower extremity associated with lumbar DDD are denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed bilateral hip, shoulder, knee, ankle, and lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities are not related to active service or any incident of service, including as due to a service-connected lumbosacral spine disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and ratings have been denied. The claim for dry eye syndrome due to PRK surgery was not reopened, while the remaining issues were denied.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right lower extremity has worsened, and a new VA examination is needed to determine its current severity.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with radiculopathy to bilateral lower extremities has been reopened and granted. Service connection is denied for tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability and bilateral radiculopathy of the lower extremities are related to his service-connected right knee condition, but more evidence is needed for a final determination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete VA examinations and new treatment records are needed.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development, including scheduling a VA examination and requesting that the Veteran submit a completed TDIU application. The issues of lumbosacral strain, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and TDIU are being returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for readjudication.

The Board has granted service connection for asthma secondary to the Veteran's service-connected rhinitis. The claims for left knee disability, cervical spine disability, thoracolumbar back disability, and sciatica are remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for lumbar radiculopathy left lower extremity due to additional development being needed, including obtaining a private opinion by Dr. SM.

The Board has determined that additional evidence was added to the claims file after final decisions were made, and therefore, the issues are being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to inadequate VA assistance and potential extraschedular consideration. The issues are related to residuals of a retained foreign body in the neck with degenerative disc disease, lumbosacral strain, and left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to issues with the adequacy of the examination findings and the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's initial ratings for lumbar strain, lower left extremity radiculopathy, left knee strain, and right knee strain are being remanded due to the need for new VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for mechanical back syndrome with herniated disc L4-5 post laminectomy and discectomy, as well as his leg weakness and sciatica secondary to this condition, is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment during the period from January 30, 2008 to August 20, 2013.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete medical records and lack of a reasoned etiological opinion. The issues will be returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for his lumbar back scar was denied prior to February 18, 2015. After this date, the Veteran received an increased rating of 10 percent.,From February 18, 2015 onwards, the Veteran's left leg radiculopathy claim remained at a 10 percent evaluation.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between the current disability and military service. The appeal is remanded for further examination regarding service connection for back disability and left leg radiculopathy.