Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the schedular criteria for TDIU prior to June 9, 2015. The Board found that he was unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities as of June 9, 2015.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities, as well as radiculopathy, diaphoresis, hypertension, residuals of inguinal hernia, gastrointestinal disability, prostate disability, and peripheral nerve disability (claimed as peripheral neuropathy) due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.,The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for arm pain (degenerative joint disease of the bilateral shoulder).

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to December 26, 2010 for TDIU was denied as there is no evidence showing he was unable to obtain and maintain gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities during the relevant period.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance due to her back brace is denied as there is no evidence that the brace causes actual wear and tear to her clothing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected spinal disability contributed substantially to his death from sudden cardiac death due to acute myocardial infarction. The evidence is in equipoise, and therefore, the benefit of the doubt goes to the Appellant.

The Board has granted service connection for a left hip disorder characterized by limitation of motion with pain as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left knee degenerative joint disease (DJD). The Board also granted service connection for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, claimed as part of the left hip disorder, as secondary to his service-connected low back disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current cervical spine disability is related to his in-service injuries, specifically a fractured jaw and a log fall during basic training.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate examination reports and conflicting opinions. The issues include tinnitus, left knee disability, right knee disability, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, left lower extremity sciatica, right lower extremity sciatica, acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety and depression), and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the claims due to insufficient evidence regarding the current existence of a right knee disability, thoracolumbar spine disability, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity. The Veteran's service-connected right hip osteoarthritis is also being remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's left leg radiculopathy is granted as secondary to his service-connected lumbosacral strain. The right leg radiculopathy and TDIU claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and a TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations. Her eligibility for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or other conveyance is also being remanded.

The Board denied an effective date prior to September 26, 2014 for the award of service connection and compensation for right lower extremity radiculopathy associated with the Veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating, service connection for degenerative changes of the lumbar spine, and right lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to inadequate examination reports and missing medical records.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40% effective June 26, 2016. His right and left lower extremity radiculopathy are each rated at 20%. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disorder and a left knee disability, have been denied. The rating for diabetes mellitus remains unchanged.

The Veteran's appeals seeking service connection for chest disorder, thyroid disorder, and earlier effective date for left upper extremity radiculopathy have been dismissed.,The Veteran's claim to reopen a previously denied claim of residuals of a TBI has been granted.

The Veteran's appeal of the initial disability ratings for tinnitus, PTSD with major depressive disorder prior to March 7, 2016, lumbar arthritis, left lower extremity radiculopathy, left knee patellofemoral syndrome, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, and left ear hearing loss has been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal for tinnitus. The remaining issues are being remanded for further evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disability, finding it was not due to any event or incident of service. The appeal is remanded for further consideration.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for borderline personality disorder is remanded due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the prior diagnoses from early in the appeal period.,The Veteran's appeal for increased evaluations of his lumbar spine disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy is remanded because retrospective medical opinions are needed for the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected lumbar spine disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.