Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his back disability is denied. The claims for increased ratings for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as the TDIU claim are remanded due to new evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The claim for right lower extremity radiculopathy was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence, while the depressive disorder rating remained at 30 percent despite some transient symptoms.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including VA treatment records and a VA examination for his coronary artery disease. The claim will be remanded for these actions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability, including chronic lumbalgia, paraspinal myospasm, chronic facet disease, and radiculopathy, began during active service or is related to an in-service injury. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has denied service connection for obesity as it is not a disease or injury for which service connection may be established. The Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, sleep apnea, left sciatic nerve disability, and depression are remanded due to missing medical records and the need for VA examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD is not service connected as there is no current diagnosis of the condition.,The Veteran's right elbow, cervical spondylosis with left radiculopathy, lumbar spondylosis L4-L5, paroxysmal atrial tachycardia, and CTS are not service connected as they are not related to his service-connected right knee tear of the lateral and medial meniscus.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining relevant medical records and opinions regarding service connection for various conditions.

The appeal for an increased evaluation of mechanical low back pain is dismissed. The Veteran's radiculopathy and sleep disorder claims are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder, diabetic retinopathy, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus type II, clinical right L5-S1 lumbar radiculopathy, and clinical left L5-S1 lumbar radiculopathy.,No specific exposure basis was provided in the decision.

The Veteran's initial ratings for lumbar spine disability, radiculopathy of the right and left sciatic nerves, and radiculopathy of the right and left femoral nerves were denied. The reductions in rating from 20% to 10% or 0% effective August 1, 2018, were found to be improper.

The Board denied service connection for a neck disability and bilateral arm disability, finding no evidence of in-service injury or disease that could be linked to the current conditions.

The Board has ordered the Veteran to be examined for his right knee osteoarthritis, left leg radiculopathy, and anxiety disorder NOS with bipolar disorder. The issues of increased ratings are being remanded due to new evidence suggesting aggravation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent them from securing and following substantially gainful employment, leading to a grant of TDIU.

The Veteran is granted an effective date of October 27, 2006 for a separate 20% disability rating for left lower extremity sciatica secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar degenerative disc disease with radiculopathy and left hip disability are granted. The left hip disability is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's depression has been granted a rating of 70 percent, but no higher. The appeal is denied for the other issues.

The Board has denied an extraschedular rating for left-sided incomplete sciatic nerve paralysis and remanded the issue of a higher rating for depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine anterolisthesis with degenerative disc disease and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been denied throughout the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to new evidence being added to his file and a need for further examination. The issues include service connection for prostatism, right shoulder DJD, cervical spine DJD, lumbar spine DJD with left leg sciatica, and lichen simplex chronicus of the right temple.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy due to inadequate examinations in August 2017. The Veteran is required to provide any outstanding medical records, and a new VA examination will be conducted.