Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, type II and his back disability as well as radiculopathy of the right lower extremity due to inadequate medical opinions and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further evaluation due to inconsistencies and errors in the previous VA examination reports, particularly regarding the presence of radiculopathy.

The Veteran's skin disorder, degenerative disc disease L5-S1 and bulge at S1-S2 (degenerative disc disease), and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity were not found to be service-connected. The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's TDIU claim for the period prior to January 22, 2018 is remanded due to conflicting evidence regarding his ability to work. The Board finds a need for further medical opinions on the impact of service-connected disabilities and the service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder on employment.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for diverticulosis, lumbosacral spine strain and degenerative disc disease, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and endometriosis due to incomplete medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, left wrist disability, and left ankle disability. The right ankle disability is denied.

The Board has determined that additional examinations are needed for the Veteran's cervical spine and thoracolumbar spine disabilities due to limitations in range of motion testing. The issues related to left and right lower extremity radiculopathy are also remanded as they may be impacted by the results from these examinations.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) of the lumbar spine, patellofemoral syndrome of the left and right knees, and tinnitus have been granted service connection. The Veteran is also receiving a 20% rating for his radiculopathy.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating of his lumbar spine disability, bilateral hip disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy due to inadequate medical opinions in prior decisions.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar degenerative disc disease with bulging at L5-S1 on an aggravation basis and bilateral lumbosacral radiculopathy of the lower extremities, secondary to lumbar degenerative disc disease with bulging at L5-S1.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for low back disorder, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathies, and TDIU due to inadequate examination and medical opinion in the prior decision.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the appellant requested to withdraw it.

The Veteran's claims of increased ratings for left lower extremity radiculopathy and degenerative joint disease lumbar spine with IVDS are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for lower back condition, numbness in upper extremities, neck pain, muscle fatigue and stiffness, cervical radiculopathy (carpal tunnel syndrome), left knee condition, right knee condition, and bilateral foot pain have been dismissed.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen previously denied claims of entitlement to service connection for a headache disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and insomnia.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral knee DJD, cervical spine DDD, and a right foot condition (hallux valgus) are not related to service. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. Effective dates for the awards of service connection for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy are denied, but a higher initial rating of 20% is granted for both conditions.

The Board has found that the Veteran's tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss disability, and lower back disability are service-connected. However, additional evidence is needed to determine if his acquired psychiatric disorder (likely including PTSD, anxiety disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and dysthymic disorder) and sciatic nerve disability are also service-connected.

All claims for service connection prior to July 27, 2010 have been dismissed due to the absence of allegations of specific errors in fact or law.,The claim for a higher initial rating for patellofemoral syndrome left knee with arthritis and limited flexion has also been dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation from July 1, 2011. The Board found that entitlement to TDIU is warranted for this period but remanded the issue of prior to July 1, 2011.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea, headaches, bowel disorder, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and lower left extremity radiculopathy is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.