Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2020

The Veteran's lumbar spine condition and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for cervical spine, right upper extremity radiculopathy, and lumbar sprain are being remanded due to inadequate examination reports.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to the Veteran's back disability, including a request for TDIU. The decision is not final and will be reconsidered after addressing the rating issue.

The Board has granted the restoration of service connection for left knee strain and right knee strain, but remanded the cases regarding a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's claim for a restoration of the 10 percent evaluation for femoral nerve radiculopathy and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for sciatic nerve radiculopathy is granted. The claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and for a higher rating since January 22, 2020 are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a sleeping disorder and sciatica, as well as his increased ratings for left and right foot conditions. The Veteran is also seeking TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU was withdrawn by the Veteran in March 2017.,The Veteran’s thoracolumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, which does not reflect a full grant of the benefit sought. The claim remains on appeal.,The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy and right lower extremity radiculopathy are both rated at 10 percent.,The Veteran’s thoracolumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, which does not reflect a full grant of the benefit sought. The claim remains on appeal.

The Board has granted a TDIU effective February 1, 2013. The case is remanded for additional evidence regarding marginal employment between December 21, 2011 and June 4, 2012.

The Board has found that the case must be remanded due to new evidence received since the last decision, and for preparation of an SSOC if the full benefits sought on appeal are not granted.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, and radiculopathy of the left upper extremity as secondary to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction claim is remanded due to insufficient medical records.

The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy prior to July 9, 2009 was rated at 20 percent and denied an increased rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to address the Veteran's claim for service connection for right leg sciatic neuropathy, including whether it is related to active service and whether it was caused by or aggravated by his service-connected fractured metatarsal heads.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone have not rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. He has failed to cooperate with development of the claim to the extent that it can not be substantiated.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities required the need for aid and attendance, but he did not meet the criteria to be considered housebound.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a reduction in rating for his right shoulder disability and ratings for his lumbar spine, knee, and lower extremity radiculopathies. The appeal also includes an issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for RUE radiculopathy and cervical spine disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and consideration of recent evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected low back condition is being remanded due to inadequate examination and the need for additional medical records.

The Veteran's chronic low back pain, left and right lower radiculopathy have been granted a rating of 20 percent each. TDIU has been granted beginning December 13, 2016.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance and housebound status due to service-connected disabilities. The evidence did not support that he was in need of regular aid and assistance or permanently housebound.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his claims, including obtaining private treatment records and conducting addendum opinions regarding functional loss.