Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claim for reopening service connection for a back disability is granted, and the Board also grants service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to his service-connected low back disorder.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been remanded due to the need for new examinations to evaluate his low back, ankle, radiculopathy, neck, elbow, and upper extremity disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU, finding that his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from being able to work in an office setting.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for ratings and TDIU as the appellant passed away during the appeal process.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to non-compliance with previous directives. The Veteran's service-connected back and left lower extremity radiculopathy are still under appeal.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for additional disability caused by VA surgical care in September 2007, including cervical stenosis with myelopathy/radiculopathy, has been denied.,Eligibility for financial assistance in the purchase of one automobile or other conveyance and automobile adaptive equipment, or automobile adaptive equipment only is also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected low back disability and radiculopathies have been granted increased evaluations, a TDIU has been awarded, and the extension of special monthly compensation based on housebound criteria is granted.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 40 percent, and the claim for an increased rating remains pending.,The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy is each rated at 20 percent, effective April 10, 2014. The claim for higher ratings remains pending.,SMC based on need for aid and attendance was denied as the evidence did not show that the Veteran was helpless or in need of regular aid and assistance.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbar spine disc herniation and degenerative joint disease, as well as the ratings in excess of 20 percent for left and right lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy, are all denied.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU was granted. The evidence shows that his service-connected disabilities prevented him from performing the physical acts required for employment.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to his death.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including service connection claims and a TDIU claim. The Veteran's previously denied dengue fever claim is reopened due to new evidence submitted since the last denial.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination regarding the Veteran's cervical spine disability and associated radiculopathy. The Veteran needs a new VA examination to assess his loss of function during flare-ups and after repetitive use.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected degenerative changes, lumbosacral spine and radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's TDIU application is granted, and the Board has remanded for further examination regarding his lumbar spine degenerative arthritis.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is rated at zero percent, as the average puretone threshold in both ears is within Level I.,The Veteran’s DDD of the lumbosacral spine is currently rated at 40 percent. The examiner found forward flexion limited to 15 degrees and no ankylosis.,The Veteran's RLE radiculopathy involving sciatic nerve is currently rated at 20 percent, based on moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including scoliosis and degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine, as well as radiculopathy in both lower extremities, have resulted in a combined disability rating of 60 percent. The case is remanded for further consideration.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been remanded due to the need for further development. The issues of entitlement to a rating in excess of 40 percent for chronic lumbar strain, as well as those of bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy and bladder disorder, are currently pending.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and TDIU claims have been denied. The Veteran was granted a higher rating for his bilateral lower extremity radiculopathies since December 4, 2019.

The Veteran's service connection claims for headaches, respiratory disability (chronic bronchitis), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), infection of the tonsils, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), fatigue, hypertension, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, shin splints, hemorrhoids, retracted testicle, and low sex drive have been granted. Effective dates prior to February 13, 2018 for bilateral foot bunions and tinnitus are denied.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back disability and sciatica of the lower extremities, but denied service connection for his left hip disability.