Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2020

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent, effective from the entire rating period on appeal. For the appeal period beginning June 2, 2016, ratings for radiculopathy of both lower extremities are granted.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy had its onset as early as August 22, 2012 and granted an effective date of August 22, 2012. The other issues on appeal are remanded for further development.

The claims for irritable bowel syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, tinnitus, erectile dysfunction, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and lumbar spine disability are being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions and treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to August 8, 2017 for the grant of service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy was denied. The Veteran also had his initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy denied. However, he was granted a TDIU effective from August 8, 2017.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity or right lower extremity, and denied service connection for hand neurological disabilities as secondary to low back disability. Service connection was granted for hemorrhoids.

The Veteran is seeking higher ratings for his right finger disability and radiculopathy to the right lower extremity. The Board finds that a new examination is needed as the Veteran has stated that his disabilities have increased in severity.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea but denied service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back disability, cervical spine disability with left upper extremity radiculopathy, hypertension, and psychiatric disability due to outstanding inpatient/clinical records from March 1976 to May 1977 at Orlando Naval Hospital. The VA is instructed to attempt to obtain these records directly from the hospital.

The Board has remanded the case due to errors in the VA examinations conducted in June 2017, and new examinations are required to assess the severity of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development due to the need for updated VA examinations and assessments of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's low back disability and radiculopathy of the lower extremities have been granted initial ratings, with the low back disability receiving a 40 percent rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unemployable, effective May 19, 2008. The Board has granted a TDIU for this period.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's cervical spine disability, including ratings for osteoarthritis and radiculopathy of both upper extremities. The TDIU issue is also on hold until further review.

The Veteran's initial ratings for coronary artery disease and lumbar spine strain and DDD were denied. A 20 percent rating was granted for right lower extremity radiculopathy as of September 12, 2019, and a 20 percent rating was granted for left lower extremity radiculopathy as of the same date. The Veteran's TDIU due to service-connected acquired psychiatric disability is effective April 10, 2013, and SMC at the housebound rate is also effective that date.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous directives, and is now required to obtain an addendum opinion from the Director of Compensation Services regarding a single extra-schedular rating for the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied as there is no credible evidence of their onset during or immediately after active duty service, and the post-service medical records do not support current diagnoses.

The Board dismissed the claims for service connection for dyshidrotic eczema and increased evaluation for myofascial pain of the cervical spine. The claim for service connection for lumbar spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's service connection claims for low back disability, sciatic nerve condition, left foot disability, and headaches. The claims are now remanded to obtain additional medical evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's conditions and their relationship to his military service. The Veteran is not entitled to service connection for bilateral hearing loss, left knee condition, back condition, neck condition, or cervical radiculopathy.