Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2021

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the claims can be adjudicated due to incomplete medical examinations and remanded issues. The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine, cervical spine, and radiculopathy disabilities are being reviewed for increased ratings.

The Veteran's neck disability was rated at 20% prior to January 6, 2020 and denied a higher rating. After January 6, 2020, the Veteran's left upper extremity radiculopathy was also rated at 20%. The Board did not grant TDIU.,The Veteran's neck disability is currently rated as 20% disabling prior to January 6, 2020 and remains denied. After January 6, 2020, the left upper extremity radiculopathy was rated at 30%. The Board did not grant TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right hip disability, calcium deposit, and lumbosacral spine disability due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral upper and lower extremity radiculopathy to obtain a new VA medical examination and opinion, as the previous opinions were inconsistent.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy prior to May 29, 2015 was denied as the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent.,The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted due to his service-connected disabilities rendering him unable to secure or maintain gainful employment.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was granted a 20 percent rating from March 1, 2016 to December 12, 2019.,A separate 10 percent rating for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity was granted from January 20, 2016.

The Board has remanded the case due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives and additional remand is required.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is rated at 40 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The rating for lumbosacral strain, degenerative arthritis, and IVDS remains denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate opinions regarding the relationship between his current lumbar spine conditions and in-service diagnoses, as well as whether his radiculopathy had its onset during service. The VA examiner is requested to provide an addendum opinion addressing these issues.

The Veteran's service-connected back disability, along with other disabilities, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from May 17, 2014. He is also entitled to special monthly compensation at the housebound rate for this period.

The Veteran's right ankle sprain is granted a 20% rating from March 8, 2016. His initial ratings for IVDS and radiculopathy are granted as requested. TDIU is granted from January 16, 2013 to March 8, 2016. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disability, including any radiculopathy, as secondary to his service-connected left ankle disability. The TDIU claim is remanded.

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

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, and acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD and anxiety disorder) have been rated based on their service-connected nature. The Board has found that the current ratings are not adequate to reflect the severity of these conditions.,The Veteran is being remanded for further examination to determine if his PTSD symptoms have worsened since his last VA examination in February 2017.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and an earlier effective date is dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal. The issues of a rating in excess of 20 percent for radiculopathy, a rating in excess of 30 percent for major depressive disorder with anxiety disorder, and TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed. New evidence has reopened the claim of service connection for coronary artery disease, but it remains denied.

The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy was granted a 20% evaluation prior to December 10, 2019.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20% and his impairment of the sciatic nerve due to radiculopathy/peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity was initially rated at 20%, but later increased to 40%. The Board denied higher ratings for both conditions.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 20%.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral upper extremity cervical radiculopathy, lumbar spine disability, and lower extremity radiculopathy as the evidence did not show a current disability or etiology related to in-service injury.,The Board also denied service connection for a cervical spine disability, left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, left foot disability, and right foot disability due to lack of evidence showing an in-service event, injury, or disease.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings due to new evidence indicating muscle spasms and cervicalgia, which are not currently service-connected but may be related to the Veteran's service-connected back disabilities. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as VA did not obtain all requested private treatment records.