Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2021

The Veteran's lumbar radiculopathy (sciatic nerve) in the left lower extremity is rated at 10 percent prior to September 21, 2016 and at 40 percent thereafter. The Veteran's lumbar radiculopathy (femoral nerve) in both lower extremities are each rated at 30 percent from September 21, 2016.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left lower extremity sciatica, lumbar spine disability, and left knee disability were denied. The right ankle and left ankle disabilities received initial ratings of 20 percent each.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine and associated lower extremity radiculopathy, do not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU prior to May 31, 2016. The Board also found that there is no evidence of an extraschedular TDIU.

The claim to reopen the issue of service connection for a left leg disability is granted. The claims for service connection for OSA, right leg disability, eye disability, low back strain, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, right upper extremity radiculopathy, left upper extremity radiculopathy, erectile dysfunction (ED), prostate cancer residuals, and coronary artery disease are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened since the last evaluations, and a new VA examination is needed to assess their current severity.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral leg pain, claimed as fibromyalgia; lumbosacral spine disability; and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy due to inadequate examination opinions.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities, as well as his lumbar spine disability, have been granted increased ratings effective July 9, 2016. The maximum rating available for these conditions has not yet been reached.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of a current diagnosis and insufficient evidence linking any diagnosed conditions to service.

The Board has granted a 40 percent disability rating for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity since September 29, 2020.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of December 1, 2007 for the grant of service connection for sciatic nerve entrapment of the left lower extremity associated with the Veteran's thoracolumbar degenerative joint disease (lumbar spine disability). This decision is based on evidence showing that the condition was present and related to his service-connected lumbar spine disability prior to December 1, 2008.

The Board denied service connection for left foot drag as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left thigh disability and denied increased ratings for his cervical and lumbar spine disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need to obtain Social Security Administration (SSA) records, which may contain relevant medical information.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including hysterectomy residuals and various orthopedic issues, have rendered her unable to work in any physical or sedentary job throughout the appeal period. The Board has granted TDIU based on these disabilities.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the issues of service connection for low back disability, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities have been rated at 10 percent since May 1, 2014 and October 16, 2015 respectively. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for right lower extremity sciatica/radiculopathy and hypertension due to inadequate medical opinions provided in the July 2020 VA examination. The Veteran needs additional addendum opinions from an orthopedist and internist, respectively.

The Veteran's right and left upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy are rated at 40 percent, effective August 18, 2011. The Veteran's right and left lower extremity (femoral) diabetic peripheral neuropathy are also rated at 40 percent, effective August 18, 2011.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and inadequate opinions regarding whether his current cervical spine disability and lumbar radiculopathy are proximately caused or aggravated by his service-connected thoracic spine condition.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded for further examination to determine the current severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lumbar radiculopathy and herniated discs, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment throughout the period on appeal.