Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2020

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities as secondary to his service-connected back disability, finding that there is no evidence supporting this claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of his right knee condition and left lower extremity neurological condition.,The Veteran has multiple conditions that were found to be related to service or secondary to other service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine, back, bilateral shoulder, bilateral knee, and bilateral hip disabilities, as well as service connection for migraines and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The claims are being returned to the RO for further development.

The Board has determined that the remand requirements have not been met and the case is being returned to the agency of original jurisdiction for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected radiculopathy of the right and left sciatic nerves, as well as her right (major) carpal tunnel syndrome, have been granted initial evaluations.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims for service connection, including tinnitus, left knee replacement, bilateral hearing loss, traumatic brain injury (TBI), back condition with radiculopathy, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The appeals are not about service connection at all.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities. The issue of entitlement to special monthly compensation based on housebound status is dismissed as moot.

The Board has granted service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and bladder disability as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected low back disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes and related peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, have rendered him unemployable. The Board granted a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to a pre-decisional error in considering the severity of his lumbar spine disability and associated neurologic abnormalities under the appropriate rating criteria, including Note (1) from the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left upper extremity radiculopathy, finding that he does not have a current disability of either condition.

The Veteran's appeal seeking increased ratings for various conditions has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew their appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and new evidence is needed.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU prior to January 24, 2020 are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is not rated higher than 10 percent.,The Veteran's left lower extremity sciatic nerve disability has been granted a 20 percent rating, effective October 24, 2014. The right lower extremity sciatic nerve disability remains at a 20 percent rating.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's diagnosed thoracolumbar spine disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy. The decision is based on credible testimony from the Veteran and his wife regarding in-service injuries and their ongoing effects.

The Veteran's severe chronic L3, L4, L5, S1 radiculopathy is granted as secondary to service-connected bilateral pes planus and shin splints. Ratings of 20 percent are granted for tarsal tunnel syndrome of the right and left lower extremities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed low back disability, sciatic radiculopathy of the lower extremities, right and left hip arthroplasty, and erectile dysfunction are not service-connected as they were not shown during active service or within one year post-service, and there is no evidence linking these conditions to service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The rating for residuals of a left radius fracture was denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for left wrist DJD was also denied, with no higher rating supported by the medical evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD claim is denied for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent. The issue of service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, including secondary to the service-connected thoracic spine disability, is remanded due to a duty to assist error. The dismissal of the upper and lower back claim is upheld.