Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2018

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with depressed mood, compression fracture of the lumbar spine, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity have been rated based on their current manifestations. The TDIU claim has also been granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of a request to reopen a claim regarding left hip and thigh pain. The Board found that new evidence supports reopening these claims.

The Veteran's initial rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy was denied, and two issues have been remanded: entitlement to service connection for a right lower extremity neurologic disorder and entitlement to an increased rating for bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for appropriate VA examinations to evaluate his service-connected disabilities. The issue of service connection for a cervical spine disorder was previously remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and adjustment disorder, have rendered him unemployable due to physical limitations. The Board has granted TDIU based on these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability and acute right lumbar radiculopathy, finding that the Veteran's disabilities were not caused or aggravated by his active duty service.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease, L5-S1 (lumbar spine disability), is currently rated at 40 percent.,The Veteran's sciatic radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is currently rated at 10 percent.,The Veteran's sciatic radiculopathy of the right lower extremity is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities have been denied. He is currently rated at 20 percent for each affected lower extremity.

The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to service connection for a back disability, right leg radiculopathy, and right eye blindness due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's current diagnoses include degenerative arthritis and osteoporosis of his spine with associated right lower extremity radiculopathy and neurogenic claudication, and blindness in his right eye. He contends that these conditions are related to an injury he sustained during service. A VA examination is needed to determine if the current disabilities had their clinical onset during service or are otherwise related to any incident in service.

The Veteran's radiculopathy and degenerative joint disease are the primary conditions, but his radiculopathy is secondary to his degenerative joint disease. The Board finds that additional evidence from SSA is needed before a decision can be made on these issues.

The Veteran's radiculopathy and degenerative joint disease are the primary conditions, with his radiculopathy being secondary to his degenerative joint disease. The Board finds that additional evidence is needed from SSA.

The Board has remanded two issues: the initial rating for degenerative lumbar disc disease and the TDIU claim. The Veteran's treatment records, Social Security Administration (SSA) records, and vocational rehabilitation records are needed to support these claims.

The Veteran's GERD is not service-connected.,Prior to October 25, 2016, the Veteran's lumbar disability was rated at 20 percent and denied an increased rating.,Effective from August 26, 2009, for right lower extremity radiculopathy.,The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is currently rated at 20 percent.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and review, including service connection claims and an earlier effective date claim. The Veteran's appeal includes multiple service connection claims and one related to the effective date of additional compensation based on having a dependent spouse.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for Major Depressive Disorder was denied, and he was granted a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU). The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to his MDD, but determined that his service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine disability, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 20 percent prior to June 21, 2013 and at 40 percent thereafter. The left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy was rated at 20 percent prior to June 21, 2013.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased evaluations have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeals.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and determining whether service connection criteria were met prior to the effective dates of the disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected back disability is not found to be the cause of his left hip condition. The Board finds no evidence supporting a higher rating for the Veteran's back disability.