Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2021

The Veteran's hypertension and glaucoma are not service-connected.,Right and left lower extremity varicose veins have been rated as 40 percent disabling, but the Veteran is seeking higher ratings. The Board finds that a rating in excess of 40 percent is not warranted at this time.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction may be related to Gulf War exposures, but further clarification is needed from an appropriate clinician.,Left and right knee strains have been rated as 10 percent disabling each, but the Veteran is seeking higher ratings. The Board finds that a rating in excess of 10 percent for both knees is not warranted at this time.,Lumbar spine degenerative joint disease has been rated as 20 percent disabling, but the Veteran is seeking a higher rating. The Board finds that a rating in excess of 20 percent is not warranted at this time.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and information from her federal disability retirement benefits.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes, mild neurocognitive disorder, sleep apnea with asthma, radiculopathy of the right upper extremity, neck injury, and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, rendered him unemployable for the period from September 8, 2018 to November 25, 2019. The Board granted a TDIU based on this evidence.

The Veteran's request to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for gingivitis for compensation purposes is denied. His claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of examination for left upper extremity radiculopathy, and the Veteran's obligation to assist VA.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for cervical spine and radiculopathy disabilities, as well as headaches due to lack of recent VA examinations. The Veteran is also being provided an opportunity for a new examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and initial ratings are being remanded due to the need to obtain Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy has been granted an initial rating of 60 percent, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and right upper extremity radiculopathy was denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of these conditions.,For unspecified trauma- and stressor-related disorder (PTSD) and depression, the Veteran's claim was granted as they are related to his in-service experiences.

The Veteran's speech disability is remanded due to its potential connection to a stroke. The ratings for her shoulder disabilities, radiculopathy, and hernia are also remanded as the evidence suggests worsening symptoms. Her TDIU claim is remanded as it involves employment issues.

The Veteran's low back disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy have been granted a 20 percent rating each, effective as of the date of this decision.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his cervical spine disability is denied as the evidence does not show unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine.,The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is denied as the evidence does not show unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical or thoracolumbar spine.

The Board has granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis for the period prior to May 31, 2016 due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis is presumed via PACT Act.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and an effective date prior to March 6, 2017 for SMC based on aid and attendance were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show a need for regular aid and attendance before March 6, 2017.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain and associated bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded for further development, including clarification of the weight-bearing status of the VA examination results.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his service-connected conditions and the appropriate disability ratings.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it does not result in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine being 30 degrees or less, nor does it show favorable ankylosis.,Right leg sciatica is currently rated at 10 percent and there are no incapacitating episodes that would warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including hypertension and musculoskeletal conditions of the spine and extremities. The main focus is on obtaining additional medical opinions regarding the nature and severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve and external cutaneous nerve were denied as they did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,Initial compensable ratings for both right and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the external cutaneous nerve were also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to January 15, 2014 did not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU rating.