Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for intervertebral disc syndrome, sacroiliitis of the thoracolumbar spine, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment due to his back pain and related limitations.

The Veteran's TDIU was granted effective May 1, 2016. The Board has now determined that the earlier effective date of November 1, 2010 should be granted as part of the initial increased rating claim for PTSD.

The Veteran's ratings for sciatic nerve radiculopathy, right lower extremity; instability, left knee; and instability, right knee were all restored to their previous levels of 10 percent effective August 1, 2018.

The Board has determined that the reduction in evaluation for degenerative arthritis of the spine from 40 percent to 20 percent was not proper and reinstated the 40 percent evaluation. The issues of entitlement to increased evaluations for radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities associated with degenerative arthritis of the spine are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left sciatica of the lower extremities, cervical spine disability, bilateral plantar fasciitis, left upper extremity numbness, and right upper extremity numbness based on new evidence received since previous denials.

The Board denied service connection for RLE radiculopathy and peripheral neuropathy, as well as arthritis. The evidence did not support a diagnosis of these conditions during the pendency of the claim or recent to its filing.

The Board has dismissed all claims of service connection for various conditions, including right knee osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal issues, as well as psychiatric disorders. The appeal is dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's initial ratings for left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy have been denied as they do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,A separate rating for radiculopathy of the left upper extremity prior to June 6, 2016 has also been denied.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for left leg disability, radiculopathy of bilateral upper and lower extremities, and obstructive sleep apnea due to additional development being necessary.

The Board has remanded the issue of a rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss from January 31, 2012, to June 14, 2018. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment effective February 14, 2007.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance has been dismissed due to the appellant's death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to new evidence suggesting worsening of his service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA examination to assess current severity and functional impairment.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of service connection for peripheral neuropathy and/or radiculopathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, as well as an increased rating for a psychiatric disorder and TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the Veteran's renal insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of sciatic nerve (left and right), and coronary artery disease did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions, including whether they are related to service or secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his back pain and ankle injuries, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation for the entire appeal period.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left ankle disability.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for Sciatic Nerve and IDS from the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral nerve impairment) have been denied.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to March 19, 2021 has also been denied.