Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left lower extremity sciatica has been denied as there is no current diagnosis of the claimed disability. The claims for right lower extremity sciatica, low back disability, bilateral hearing loss, severe non-proliferative diabetic neuropathy, and tinnitus have also been remanded due to lack of a statement of the case.

The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy was rated as 10 percent prior to July 6, 2015 and increased to 60 percent since that date.

The Veteran's tinnitus, acquired psychiatric disorder (bipolar disorder), OSA, migraine headaches, and left knee pain are all granted service connection.,Service connection for right shoulder disability, bilateral hearing loss, right leg restless leg syndrome, left leg restless leg syndrome, cervical spine osteoarthritis, and left arm radiculopathy is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been found to preclude him from securing and maintaining all forms of substantially gainful employment, thus TDIU is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the issue of service connection for a low back disability due to insufficient evidence regarding its onset and etiology. The Veteran's lay statements about in-service injuries are considered, but further medical examination is needed.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The decision also granted special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114 (s) from November 21, 2011.

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

The Board has granted service connection for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity and an initial rating of 20 percent for lumbar disability. The Veteran's radiculopathy is caused by or related to his military service, while his lumbar disability is characterized by limited range of motion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings, service connection, and secondary service connection due to delays in processing. The issues include his mood disorder, back disability, radiculopathy of bilateral lower extremities, hip, knee, and foot disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left upper extremity neuropathy, a cervical spine disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD due to potential issues with medical opinions and need for further development.

The Veteran is granted service connection for a back condition and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity. The appeal regarding an increased disability rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from obtaining and following a substantially gainful occupation prior to November 1, 2013.

The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 20 percent, effective throughout the appeal period. The Board has remanded issues regarding his lumbar spine disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy for further examination and rating considerations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations.

The Veteran's low back disability is remanded due to conflicting medical opinions and inadequate VA examination.,The Veteran's sinusitis is remanded as there are no records of treatment during service, but the Board finds a need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is not compensable.,Service connection for a right leg disability, left leg disability, lower back disability, and right ankle disability are all denied.

The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder bursitis disability has been granted a rating of at least 20 percent since February 11, 2013. The remaining issues are remanded for further examination and evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's neck disability, including cervical spinal stenosis with degenerative disc disease (DDD), intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and left cervical radiculopathy, is related to his active duty service. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that new evidence has been added to the record and must be considered. The issues are being remanded for further action.

The Board dismissed the appeal for a rating in excess of 30 percent for cervical spine injury with strain. A separate compensable disability rating of 10 percent, but no higher, was granted for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity from January 12, 2017. Service connection for anxiety disorder with amnesic disorder was properly terminated and denied. Severance of special monthly compensation housebound benefits, non-service connected pension, and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits were also granted.