Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2019

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded as the Board finds a new examination is needed to evaluate his current severity of service-connected disabilities, specifically their impact on employment.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations. The issues of service connection and exposure basis have not been addressed.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for sciatic nerve entrapment of the left lower extremity associated with thoracolumbar degenerative joint disease was denied.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than May 6, 2013 for service connection for sciatic nerve entrapment of the left lower extremity was also denied.

Service connection for a lumbar spine herniated disc disability is granted. The appeal seeking service connection for left Achilles tendonitis is dismissed. From April 21, 2010, a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted. Issues related to increased ratings and secondary service connection are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment, and therefore his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left foot disorder, GERD, right lower extremity nerve disorder, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and an acquired psychiatric disorder as there is no evidence of a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied. The appeals for earlier effective dates were dismissed as a matter of law.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar radiculopathy of the lower extremities bilaterally, hip arthralgia bilaterally, cervical spine degenerative joint disease, torn meniscus of the knees bilaterally, cervical radiculopathy of the upper extremities bilaterally, and thoracolumbar spine degenerative joint disease were denied as they are not earlier than May 10, 2011.

The Veteran's request to reopen his previously denied claim for lumbar spine disorder was not successful. Service connection for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy was also denied.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right upper extremity disability (numbness and tingling in fingertips), and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to conflicting evidence regarding their diagnoses and a need for further examination.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disk disease and radiculopathy of both lower extremities. The remand is due to inadequate examination reports and possible worsening of symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions render him in need of regular aid and assistance, which is granted for SMC based on aid and attendance.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's right-hand disability, including arthritis and ankylosis. The case will be returned for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran currently has these conditions and their relationship to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine condition began during his active service and granted service connection for this disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to adequately attend to his daily living needs without regular aid and attendance, thus granting special monthly compensation based on this need.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of anal fissures, DDD of the thoracolumbar spine, right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy, and right lower extremity femoral nerve radiculopathy was dismissed. The VA granted a 40% rating for DDD of the thoracolumbar spine effective June 12, 2015.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a lumbar spine disorder due to the need for additional medical opinions and records, including those from his service period.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,Service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and associated left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve is granted with an effective date of August 28, 2017.,Service connection for bilateral shin splints is remanded due to inadequate medical opinion.,Service connection for bilateral foot disorder, to include plantar fasciitis and bunions, is remanded due to inadequate medical opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for low back disorder, neck disorder, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, obstructive sleep apnea, COPD, and nasal condition.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination, including obtaining treatment records within one year of January 19, 2016, and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability.