Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional medical evidence, including private records from various providers.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted, and the remaining claims for increased ratings are dismissed as they have been satisfied by granting the TDIU.

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from December 30, 2015 due to his service-connected disabilities.

The VA determined that the Veteran's conditions did not warrant a higher rating based on the evidence provided.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded as the VA needs to assess the collective impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations to assess the severity of her back disability, radiculopathy, and PTSD.

The Board has restored the Veteran's disability rating for his left lower extremity radiculopathy and neuropathy from 40% to 20%, effective January 1, 2019. The reduction was improper as there was no material improvement in the disability.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40% and the claim for a higher rating is denied. The claim for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound rate is also denied.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and associated radiculopathy were granted initial ratings, with the right lumbar radiculopathy receiving a 20% rating from February 10, 2009 to September 21, 2020, and left lumbar radiculopathy receiving a 10% rating from June 22, 2013 to February 12, 2018.

The Board has decided some issues in favor of the Veteran, while others have been remanded for further action. The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are mixed.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right lower sciatic nerve radiculopathy, left lower sciatic nerve radiculopathy, right femoral nerve radiculopathy, and residuals of a right ankle fracture are being remanded due to the need for further development.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, effective October 19, 2010. The Board denied a higher rating for this condition.,Service connection has been granted for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy involving the femoral nerve as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient development and consideration of the Veteran's statements regarding his in-service injuries. The issues are now pending for further review.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back condition, but denied service connection for a cervical spine condition.

The Veteran's right upper extremity radiculopathy was rated at 20 percent prior to May 22, 2017 and increased to 40 percent from that date. The Veteran also received a separate 30 percent rating for left upper extremity radiculopathy starting January 19, 2018.,The appeal is remanded due to the need for further development regarding the Veteran's TDIU claim.

The Board denied increased ratings for left and right lower extremity intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) involving the sciatic nerve, as the disability did not meet or more closely approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's tinnitus is service connected as it was present during service and continues to this day.,Service connection for a back disability is granted, with the condition being related to in-service injuries. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the current back disability is related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not related to his in-service back pain and symptomatology.

The Veteran's inguinal hernia was granted service connection, while his claims for myeloma and other conditions were denied.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral degenerative disc disease with right lower leg recurrent sciatica, finding that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the condition was related to an in-service injury.