Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2019

The Board dismissed all claims due to the lack of an adequate substantive appeal for each issue.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his back and nerve disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development due to concerns about potential negligence in the Veteran's VA spine surgeries, specifically regarding screw placement and post-operative complications.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The cervical spine disability was rated at 20%, the right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy at 20%, and the left arm radiculopathy at 20%. A TDIU effective from October 11, 2011, was granted.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's cervical spine disability and bilateral upper extremity cervical radiculopathy (claimed as hand condition secondary to neck and back) claims need further examination and opinion due to insufficient information.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right shoulder arthritis and impingement syndrome, left shoulder glenohumeral arthritis, lower back degenerative joint disease, and anxiety disorder, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's low back disorder, including an initial rating and TDIU. The case is also remanded for further development regarding SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a low back disability, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and TDIU due to duty-to-assist errors and insufficient evidence in the record.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar degenerative disc disease and right sciatic radulopathy are being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, which has been granted for special monthly compensation.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of cervical radiculopathy due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The Board granted a 50% rating for sleep apnea, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings have been dismissed as he has requested to withdraw his appeal.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability, PTSD, and radiculopathy of the lower extremities due to insufficient evidence in previous examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to incomplete development of records, including from private sources. The VA must obtain additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of all current left wrist and elbow disorders, as well as neurological disorders of the left upper extremity.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to increased ratings for status post right hip strain and TDIU, as well as the issue of effective dates. The Veteran's service-connected conditions have been evaluated based on their current manifestations.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various conditions, including myxoid liposarcoma and lymphedema. The issues were not addressed based on a presumption due to exposure to ionizing radiation or other specific service environment.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 40 percent, but the Board has found that a higher rating is not warranted due to lack of unfavorable ankylosis.,The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities are both currently rated at 20 percent. The Board has determined that these ratings are also not appropriate given the current evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment prior to October 6, 2014.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than February 25, 2015 for service connection of radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities have been granted.,The Veteran's claims for initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities prior to May 20, 2019 have been denied.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings in excess of 20 percent for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities from May 20, 2019 and thereafter have been denied.

The Veteran's left sciatic nerve compression with left leg radiculopathy and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and low back strain have been rated, but a higher rating is not granted.