Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine disability and LLE radiculopathy are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding functional impairment during flare-ups.

The Board has remanded the claims for gout, OSA, and right leg disability to include sciatica due to issues with the factual basis of the previous decisions and the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 60 percent for the Veteran's lumbar spine injury, finding that the disability does not meet or approximate unfavorable ankylosis.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for his left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has dismissed the appeal because the Veteran withdrew his appeal for the rating reduction of his service-connected radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (sciatic nerve).

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine the current severity and manifestations of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right hand degenerative joint disease, thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease status post thoracic compression fracture, systemic hypertension, esophageal reflux and chronic gastritis, left leg neuropathy, and right leg neuropathy. The case will also be remanded to obtain VA medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of any sleep disorder, ulcerative colitis, and sinusitis/allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various spinal and peripheral nerve disabilities have been denied. The effective dates for service connection are also denied.

The Board dismissed the appeals as to all issues related to service connection due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar disability and initial rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy were both granted. The lumbar disability is rated at 20 percent, effective February 6, 2014.

The Veteran's appeal is denied for service connection for a sleep disorder, increased ratings for various disabilities, and remanded issues. The Veteran remains entitled to further development on the remaining claims.

The Board has found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in a TDIU since March 29, 2016. The remaining issues of increased ratings for various disabilities are remanded due to the need for updated treatment records from Dr. J.K.

Your claims of entitlement to service connection for erectile dysfunction, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been fully granted in a June 2020 rating decision. The appeal is dismissed as there are no pending issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and a new examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's back conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's right knee disorder is being remanded for further development.,Service connection for the Veteran's right knee disorder and neurologic disorders of both lower extremities are also being remanded.

The Board denied requests for earlier effective dates for service connection of left knee disability, lumbar spine disability and associated radiculopathies. The claims were not filed within one year after discharge from active duty.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for radiculopathy of the upper extremity, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between her current condition and her military service.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss has been withdrawn. The Board denied the Veteran's request for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected left lower extremity radiculopathy, and granted service connection for tinnitus.,The Veteran was diagnosed with blurred vision during service but no current visual impairment diagnosis has been established. His claim for service connection for blurred vision is denied.

The Board has dismissed the claim for service connection for radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities. The issue of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is remanded.

The Board has granted a TDIU effective January 1, 2008 on an extraschedular basis due to the Veteran's service-connected back disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the lower extremities and status post hysterectomy and bilateral salpingectomy with scars are currently rated at their maximum allowable schedular ratings. The Board denied increased ratings for these conditions.