Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were denied. The appeals for higher ratings for the thoracolumbar spine disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy are also denied.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations to address the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as he is currently employed and has been for several years.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent from December 19, 2018. Service connection for sleep apnea is granted. Service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy and left hip disability is denied.

The Veteran's peripheral neuritis of the sciatic nerve in both lower extremities and femoral nerve in the left lower extremity have been rated at 40 percent since July 30, 2015. The appeals for higher evaluations are denied.

The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy was granted a rating of 20 percent, but no more. The left lower extremity radiculopathy was also granted a rating of 20 percent, but no more. However, the issues regarding service connection for knee conditions were remanded.

The Veteran is granted SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(m) for loss of use of both legs and SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(l) based on the need of regular aid and attendance due to multiple service-connected disabilities other than those indicating that he has loss of use of both legs.,The Veteran is also granted SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(o).,However, the Veteran's entitlement to SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(r)(2) remains pending as it requires a higher level of care which has not been determined.

The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve is granted a 40 percent rating, effective September 24, 2020. The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy of the femoral nerve and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve are each granted a 10 percent rating, effective September 24, 2020. Urinary incontinence is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his educational background and work history since at least February 12, 2013.

Service connection for PTSD has been granted with a rating of 70 percent, effective from February 5, 2021.,Service connection for various conditions including heart condition, left foot condition, right and left wrist conditions, migraines, and depression have also been granted.

The Veteran's lumbar spondylolysis with minimal L5 on S1 anterolisthesis and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy have been granted increased ratings to 40 percent effective December 29, 2014.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of increased rating for right knee disability, service connection for back disability and sciatica, as well as secondary service connection. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for financial assistance for automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment, as they do not result in loss of use of a hand or foot, ankylosis of a hip or knee, or central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disorder, right and left upper extremity cervical radiculopathy, but denied service connection for right and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development of his VA treatment records, including those from a VA compensated work therapy program and psychiatric hospitalizations prior to May 2012.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar sensory-motor left lower extremity radiculopathy is related to his time in active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for the Veteran's claims of increased rating for his back disability, service connection for sleep apnea, and secondary service connection for his neck disability due to his back disability. The claims are being returned to the RO for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and new evidence of worsening symptoms, including pain and functional impairment.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine condition, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy on the merits.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and updated treatment records.,The Board is requesting that the Veteran be scheduled for updated VA examinations to determine the current severity of his musculoskeletal, bowel, and bladder symptomatology.