Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the claims for left leg sciatica, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, service connection for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and service connection for right leg sciatica due to unclear findings from a previous VA examination. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other claims.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his low back disability and radiculopathies of the lower extremities was denied. The TDIU claim prior to January 14, 2014, was also denied.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity was granted an initial 40 percent rating, effective July 2, 2015. His erectile dysfunction claim was denied as there was no evidence of penile deformity. The Board found that his radiculopathy did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran was granted higher initial ratings of 20% and 30% for left upper extremity radiculopathy and right upper extremity radiculopathy, respectively.,A TDIU was also granted.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and earlier effective dates have been denied.,Effective dates prior to July 29, 2017 for the grant of service connection for left femoral radiculopathy and entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for left sciatic radiculopathy were not granted.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and its associated right lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his low back disorder and associated radiculopathies has been denied. The rating for the low back disorder prior to February 2, 2012 is denied as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA guidelines. From February 2, 2012 onwards, a 20 percent rating was granted for the left lower extremity radiculopathy and a denial of any higher rating for the right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded to verify his last date of gainful employment and determine if an extraschedular TDIU was warranted for the period from that date to June 23, 2008.,From July 1, 2009 to September 30, 2011, a TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's back disability was granted a 20 percent rating prior to January 8, 2020. Ratings in excess of 10 percent were denied for both lower extremity femoral nerve radiculopathy.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and pseudofolliculitis barbae have been reopened, and the claim for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae has been granted. The ratings for voiding dysfunction and painful scar status post lumbar fusion have been restored, as well as the ratings for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also granted.

The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy is granted as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. The effective date for a 20% rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy is set at July 21, 2016. Effective August 30, 2017, the Veteran received increased ratings of 40% for residuals of TBI and 70% for unspecified anxiety disorder.

The Board has dismissed all the claims as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral shoulder, hip, knee and hand/finger disabilities as they were not shown to be related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's TDIU claim before March 10, 2015 due to incomplete VA treatment records and conflicting employment dates provided by the Veteran. The case is being returned for additional development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been granted, with the effective dates being determined based on when his claims were received. The TDIU claim has also been granted.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, obstructive sleep apnea, and pulmonary hypertension have been granted service connection. The heart disorder claim is remanded for further examination. The numbness of upper extremities and arthritis claims are also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for radiculopathy, right and left lower extremities associated with degenerative joint disease have been denied as the evidence does not show moderate or more severe incomplete paralysis.

The Veteran's right upper extremity neuropathy was restored to a 40% rating, effective September 9, 2019.,The Veteran's left upper extremity neuropathy was restored to a 30% rating, effective September 9, 2019.

The Board has granted the petition to reopen a previously denied claim for service connection for low back pain/strain. The claims for service connection for neuropathy/radiculopathy of bilateral upper and lower extremities are remanded due to new evidence received after an unappealed rating decision.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for his knee conditions or left lower extremity radiculopathy.