Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2021

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is granted as service-connected, but he does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. The TDIU claim is granted.,The Veteran has multiple service-connected disabilities that render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and lower extremity radiculopathies.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 10 percent, with no higher rating granted.

Service connection is granted for chronic cough, anal condyloma, erectile dysfunction (ED), fungal infection of the great right toe, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and bilateral plantar fasciitis (also known as pes planus).,The Veteran's anal fissure and oral squamous papilloma are remanded for further review.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and radiculopathy/sciatica, left lower extremity are being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining private medical records and a new VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his left shoulder disability and other conditions, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to the severity of his disabilities. The Board found that he was unemployable from performing all forms of substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Veteran's claim for SMC AA/HB is remanded due to insufficient medical evidence addressing her need for aid and attendance or housebound status based on service-connected disabilities alone.

The Board has granted an effective date of March 28, 2009 for the grant of service connection for a cervical spine disability and radiculopathy of the right and left upper extremities. The earlier effective date was granted based on the Veteran's claim filed in March 2009.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and other disabilities have been rated as 100% disabling, qualifying him for special monthly compensation at the rate specified in 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s). The claim is dismissed because the criteria are met.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder has been reopened and will be considered on the merits. The Board is unable to make a fully-informed decision without additional medical evidence regarding whether his current psychiatric condition is related to service.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability is denied as there is no current disability in either ear, and any pre-existing left ear hearing loss did not worsen during service.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and bilateral lumbar radiculopathy, finding that these conditions are related to service. Service connection was denied for a bilateral leg condition other than lumbar radiculopathy.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of increased ratings for his low back disability and radiculopathy, as well as his claim for a TDIU. The issues are being remanded to allow for further examination and consideration.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and compliance with VA examination requirements.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for lumbar strain and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal in November 2020.

Your initial disability ratings for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy have been granted. You are now eligible for a 20 percent rating for each affected leg since May 4, 2017.,Prior to May 4, 2017, your disabilities were rated at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's service-connected conditions prior to July 21, 2016. The VA examiner is requested to provide an updated opinion on the severity of these conditions and their impact on employment.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his representation through his authorized representative.

The Veteran's claims for left knee instability/subluxation, lumbar spine arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome prior to March 15, 2017, and right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy from April 4, 2015 to March 13, 2017 were denied. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy since March 14, 2017 is also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back disability and sciatic nerve disability, finding that there was no evidence to support these conditions as being related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a TDIU rating.