Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the claims for a higher rating for bilateral lower extremity diabetic neuropathy, including consideration of special monthly compensation (SMC), and for entitlement to a TDIU prior to October 7, 2010.

The Veteran's lumbar spondylosis and degenerative joint disease are granted as service connected.,Right lower extremity radiculopathy associated with lumbar spondylosis and degenerative joint disease is also granted as service connected.,Service connection for bilateral knee osteoarthritis is denied.

The Veteran's tuberculin condition, lumbosacral strain, sciatica of the left and right lower extremities, left ankle sprain, keloid boils, and acne are not service-connected as they do not meet the criteria for a disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her cervical spine disability and associated radiculopathy of the upper extremities are being remanded due to a lack of recent medical evidence.

The Board has remanded several claims for service connection due to the submission of new evidence. The Veteran's breathing condition, right and left lower extremity deep vein thrombosis, right and left upper extremity radiculopathy, hemangioblastoma of the T10-T-11 vertebrae, and neck condition are among those being reconsidered.

The Board granted service connection for radiculopathy of the left upper extremity and arthritis and bursitis of the left AC joint, both attributed to service. The disability ratings were not increased.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of a right knee disability and increased ratings for thoracolumbar spine spondylosis with intervertebral disc syndrome status post discectomy L5-S1, radiculopathy, sciatic nerve, right lower extremity, and radiculopathy, femoral nerve, right lower extremity were denied as there is no current evidence of a right knee disability. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 10%.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and entitlement to a TDIU were denied due to failure to report for VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration.,The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied due to lack of evidence supporting a current disability related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board denied service connection for carotid artery disease, right and left upper extremity neurological disorders, and neurobehavioral effects due to exposure at Camp Lejeune. The decision was based on the lack of evidence linking these conditions to the presumed contaminants in the water supply.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete VA treatment records and insufficient opinions in the previous VA examination reports. The Veteran needs a new VA examination to determine the etiology of his low back disability, upper extremity radiculopathy, and lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU, as well as service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, an intestinal disorder, hemorrhoids, a gastroesophageal disorder, and erectile dysfunction due to in-service events or disorders.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical spine disorder and right upper extremity radiculopathy, lumbar spine disorder and right lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as his claim for TDIU. The VA is required to obtain additional medical opinions to assess the functional impairment caused by the Veteran’s service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided that a new examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's left lower extremity condition, which may be related to his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for a 30% rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy, plantar fasciitis, and headaches. The Veteran did not have these conditions prior to November 21, 2016.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of November 9, 2009 for the grant of TDIU due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities preventing him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for SMC based on aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board dismissed all claims for increased ratings and service connection for various conditions, including right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral hearing loss, scars, lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease (DDD), degenerative joint disease (DJD) and spinal stenosis status-post lumbar discectomy, rhinitis and sinusitis, right knee disorder, left knee strain with degenerative arthritis, right ankle disorder, left ankle disorder, cervical disorder, right foot/toes disorder, left foot/toes disorder, left wrist disorder, right wrist disorder, right hand/fingers disorder, left hand/fingers disorder, left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, right hip disorder, and left hip disorder.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to the need for a VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected low back disability and bilateral radiculopathy of the lower extremities.