Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2019

The Veteran's radiculopathy in the right and left lower extremities are granted a rating of 40 percent, which is not higher.,The Veteran's headaches are denied as they do not meet the criteria for a higher than 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is rated at 20 percent effective April 23, 2009.,Radiculopathy of the left lower extremity remains rated at 10 percent prior to August 21, 2018, and 20 percent thereafter.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to new evidence received after the June 2019 statement of the case.

The Board granted a rating of 20 percent for the Veteran's right and left leg radiculopathy effective April 10, 2006.

The Veteran's claims for initial evaluations of his service-connected disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining complete SSA records and scheduling a VA medical examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities require additional development and remand for further examination and consideration.

The Board has found that the VA examination was inadequate and in need of clarification, specifically regarding whether the Veteran's lumbar spine herniation at L5-S1 with bilateral lower extremity radulopathy clearly and unmistakably existed prior to his period of INACDUTRA service from August 19, 2011 to August 21, 2011, and was not aggravated beyond its natural progression by an in-service injury, event, or illness.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for reentrance into the VA vocational rehabilitation and employment program, finding that his service-connected disabilities have not worsened to the extent that he is precluded from performing work duties or that the occupation previously found rehabilitated is unsuitable.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar strain and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, as well as his TDIU claim due to additional development being required. The issues are inextricably intertwined.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess its current severity.

The Veteran's right upper extremity radiculopathy has been granted a 10 percent disability rating, but no higher. The claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for degenerative disc narrowing C5-6 and C7 with bilateral foraminal compromise and diffuse spondylosis of the cervical spine (neck) is remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a lumbar spine disability, right foot disability, allergies, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to her active duty service. The decision found that new and material evidence was not received.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate VA examinations and incomplete medical records. The issues of service connection for lumbar degenerative disc disease, bilateral hip disabilities (including right lower extremity radiculopathy), and obstructive sleep apnea are being reviewed.

The Veteran's radiculopathy claims are being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected right and left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings of right and left knee disabilities, radiculopathy of the upper extremities, and a cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's TMJ dysfunction has not manifested in the need for dietary restrictions to soft and semi-solid foods, as recorded or verified by a physician, or in interincisal range of less than 30 mm of maximum unassisted vertical opening during the relevant rating period.,The Veteran’s lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and spinal stenosis and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity may have increased in severity since the most recent VA examinations were provided.

The Veteran's left upper extremity radiculopathy is granted a higher 30 percent rating, subject to the statutes and regulations governing the payment of compensation.

The Board has decided that there is not enough evidence to determine if the Veteran's right upper extremity disability, including radiculopathy, is related to his service-connected neck disability. The case is being sent back for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if the Veteran's psychiatric disorder, back disability, or radiculopathy are related to service or secondary to a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's spouse and daughter are granted additional compensation based on dependency effective August 3, 2009.