Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant through his authorized representative.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a low back disability and finds that new evidence supports this reopening. The Veteran's diagnosed conditions, including degenerative arthritis of the spine, intervertebral disc syndrome, L5 spondylosis with associated Grade 2 spondylolisthesis L5-S1 with degenerative disc disease, radiculopathy with bilateral sciatic nerve involvement, and scoliosis convexed to the left, are considered service-connected.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing an updated VA medical opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spine disabilities have been confirmed, along with associated radiculopathy. The appeal for increased ratings is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his service-connected lumbar DDD and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 40 percent for either condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (lumbar degenerative disc disease and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy) have rendered him unemployable for work consistent with his education and work experience.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine disability and associated radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities have been denied by the RO. The Board has remanded these matters to allow for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected low back disability and associated radiculopathies are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a new VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for radiculopathy of the bilateral upper extremities, radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, including as due to service-connected lumbosacral strain.

The Board has granted a 40 percent disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spondylosis since May 13, 2014. The effective date of this increase in rating is set as May 13, 2014. However, the claim for TDIU remains denied.

The Veteran's thoracic spine disability was rated at 20 percent prior to February 10, 2014 and at 40 percent from February 10, 2014. The Veteran's sciatica was rated at 20 percent throughout the appeal period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back, cervical spine, radiculopathy of the right upper extremity, bilateral shoulder, bilateral ankle, and bilateral foot disabilities did not manifest during active service or are otherwise related to such service. As a result, these claims for service connection have been denied.

The Veteran was granted service connection for tinnitus, a right foot condition (sciatica), and erectile dysfunction. The conditions are all considered to be related to the Veteran's active service.,Service connection was also granted for the Veteran's right foot condition as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine sprain. Service connection for erectile dysfunction was granted based on its onset during service.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his claims for higher ratings are not supported by the evidence of record. The VA examinations and treatment records do not provide sufficient information to support a rating in excess of the current assigned ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for alcoholism, hypertension, and degenerative disc disease with sciatica. The Veteran's peptic ulcer disease is rated at 50% since February 26, 2008.

The Board has granted service connection for intervertebral disc disorder and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, finding that these conditions began during or were caused by the Veteran's active duty service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a dental condition, an initial increased rating for lumbar discogenic disease, and an increased rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy. The claim for TDIU was not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine, right lower extremity radiculopathy, cervical spondylosis, hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and laparoscopic scar associated with hiatal hernia with GERD render him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his disabilities.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, sciatica, and a chronic sinus disorder due to new evidence provided by a private physician. The appeals are granted in these matters.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including left sciatic nerve radicular pain, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve radicular pain, a bilateral hip condition, posttraumatic stress disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder), finding that there was no evidence of in-service disease or injury related to these conditions.