Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to determine the current severity of his back disability and radiculopathy.

The Veteran's service-connected left leg radiculopathy was reduced from 20 percent to noncompensably disabling effective June 1, 2016.,The Veteran's service-connected right arm radiculopathy with residuals of posttraumatic thoracic outlet, to include right arm and right hand, was reduced from 20 percent to noncompensably disabling effective June 1, 2016.,The Veteran's service-connected left arm radiculopathy was reduced from 20 percent to noncompensably disabling effective June 1, 2016.,The Veteran's service-connected right leg radiculopathy was reduced from 20 percent to 10 percent disabling effective June 1, 2016.

The Board has determined that further development and adjudication is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including erectile dysfunction, bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy, and depression. The case will be returned for these purposes.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine disability and left lower extremity radiculopathy are remanded due to the need for additional examinations to assess current severity.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his service-connected degenerative disc disease and herniated nucleus pulposus was granted, with a separate 20% rating assigned for each lower extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran's original 40% evaluation for the lumbar spine condition from March 10, 2016, remains unchanged.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar strain with degenerative joint disease and left lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to the submission of additional VA treatment records and contract examinations after the issuance of the August 2015 Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and an extension of a temporary total rating are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's appeal was remanded for further action. The Board found that a higher rating than 20 percent is not warranted for the lumbar spine disability prior to November 17, 2017 and denied his claim for increased ratings for left lumbar radiculopathy during this period.

The Board has determined that the VA contract opinions are inadequate and remands the case for further development, including obtaining new etiological opinions addressing all theories of entitlement to service connection.

The Veteran's claim for Section 1151 compensation for diabetes mellitus was denied as the evidence did not show that VA care caused his diabetes. The Board also found no basis to grant extraschedular ratings for lumbosacral spine DJD, left lower extremity radiculopathy, or right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his knee disabilities do not warrant ratings in excess of the current assigned ratings.,The Veteran's tinnitus, left ear hearing loss, and right ear hearing loss are all rated at their maximum levels.

The Board denied service connection for left arm radiculopathy and remanded the issues of service connection for anxiety and depression due to lack of evidence showing a current disability.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection due to new evidence showing she was injured during her period of inactive duty training. The Board then found that the Veteran's current low back disability is at least as likely caused by a December 2001 motor vehicle accident while on active duty, and granted service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection, increased ratings, and special monthly compensation based on need of regular aid and attendance are all remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's right elbow strain, lumbar spine DJD, and right lower extremity radiculopathy have been granted service connection. A rating of 20 percent has been assigned for the lumbar spine DJD from September 10, 2007, to January 8, 2019.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection of low back disability, neck disability, and sciatic nerve condition are remanded due to insufficient evidence. Additional examinations will be required to determine the nature and etiology of these disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for right ankle/foot disability, lumbar degenerative joint disease, and related issues due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.,Service connection was also denied for left lower extremity neuropathy with obturator nerve involvement as there is no direct evidence or link between the condition and service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased disability ratings have been denied. The appeal is remanded for further development.

The Board has dismissed all appeals related to the Veteran's service connection and increased rating claims due to a withdrawal request in May 2016.

The Veteran is granted an annual VA clothing allowance for the year 2017 due to his use of a low back brace (L0455) that causes wear and tear on his shirts.