Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2019

The Veteran's right ankle traumatic arthritis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine were not related to service, while his right lower radiculopathy was first noted in August 2010.,Service connection for traumatic arthritis of the right ankle is denied as it did not have onset in service or manifest within one year of separation from service.

The Board denied service connection for lower left extremity radiculopathy and denied an increased rating for lumbar disability, status post L5-S1 microdiscectomy. The Veteran's current ratings are based on the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right knee disability, diagnosed as horizontal tear of medial meniscus posterior horn with joint effusion, does not meet the criteria for service connection. The issues related to his right elbow contracture, cervical strain, lumbar strain, and left lower extremity radiculopathy are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that additional medical records from the Social Security Administration (SSA) are needed to properly assess the Veteran's claims for service connection. The AOJ must ensure that the examiner’s nexus opinions correspond with the examination report of the joint being addressed.

The Veteran's clothing allowance for a back brace used due to her service-connected PTSD and other disabilities is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss has been reopened and granted.,Issues of service connection for headaches, loss of balance/dizziness (secondary to hearing loss), right ear hearing loss, left and right sciatic nerve disabilities, and insomnia disorder have been remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new and material evidence having been submitted. The Veteran's left shoulder, cervical spine, bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy, and bilateral foot disabilities are all being reviewed again as they may be related to his military service.

The Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, as well as associated radiculopathies of the sciatic and femoral nerves, are not rated higher than 10 percent prior to May 22, 2014. The issues related to these conditions have been remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral callosities, degenerative disc disease, and lumbar radiculopathy due to incomplete consideration of his TDIU claim. The AOJ must issue an SSOC addressing all issues on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to engage and retain substantially gainful employment, thus the Board finds that he is entitled to TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy, femoral nerve involvement, associated with his service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability was granted on June 22, 2011. The Board found that the effective date should be set at this date as it is later than when entitlement arose.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before a decision can be made regarding the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected low back disability. The Veteran was last provided a VA examination over four years ago, and he testified during a hearing that his condition has worsened. Therefore, a new VA examination is required to determine the current nature and severity of his disability.

The Veteran's sinusitis and allergic rhinitis were granted service connection as they are related to her active duty service.,Service connection for bilateral lower extremity sciatica was granted as it is secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination, as well as to update the Veteran's TDIU application.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including service connection claims and evaluations for various disabilities. The Veteran's appeal is not about service connection at all.

The Veteran's service connection claims for unspecified depressive disorder, left ankle condition, right ankle condition, sciatic radicular pain, leg conditions, hip condition, low back pain, headaches, vision (claimed as bad eyes), and sarcoidosis have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy were granted at a 20 percent level from September 29, 2017. The rating for GERD was denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine disability and lower back disability due to inadequate medical opinions regarding service connection.

The Veteran's migraines are not service-connected as they did not have an onset within one year of discharge and are not related to his cervical spine disability.,The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is not service-connected as it is not due to or aggravated by his lumbar strain.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision, so the case is dismissed.