Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2022

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar spondylosis with bilateral radiculopathy and degenerative disc disease, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings on several cervical, lumbar, and hip conditions. The Board has dismissed these claims as a result.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate examinations and incomplete records. The issues include rating adjustments for low back disability, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and TDIU.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy due to deficiencies in a previous VA examination. The Veteran is required to undergo another VA examination for his lumbar spine disability, which may also provide information relevant to the radiculopathy issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete compliance with previous remand instructions and insufficient medical opinions. The Veteran is required to undergo additional examinations by orthopedic spine surgeons and a VA psychiatrist.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's lumbar strain and right lower extremity radiculopathy have been granted initial ratings of 10 percent prior to June 2, 2015, and from November 9, 2021. The Veteran is not entitled to higher ratings for these conditions or a TDIU.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 40 percent, and his radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities are each rated at 20 percent. The TDIU claim was denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of compliance with VA's duty to assist, specifically regarding the nature and etiology of all diagnosed low back disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for chronic lumbar strain with degenerative arthritis, left lower extremity radiculopathy involving the sciatic nerve, and right lower extremity radiculopathy involving the sciatic nerve have been denied as his conditions do not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus, type II was denied as his condition did not require regulation of activities. The claim for TDIU was also denied due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and his ability to perform substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's back disability and associated radiculopathy have been granted increased ratings, with the highest rating of 40% for his back disability from October 16, 2018. The radiculopathy of both lower extremities has also been granted increased ratings.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for lumbar degenerative disc disease, radiculopathy right lower extremity, sciatic nerve, and radiculopathy left lower extremity are remanded. The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is also remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Veteran's low back disability, diagnosed as degenerative spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine, is currently rated at 20 percent and not higher due to lack of evidence showing forward flexion less than 30 degrees or ankylosis.

The Veteran's claims for specially adapted housing and special home adaptation grant eligibility are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and consideration of recent medical records.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on housebound status is denied as he does not meet the criteria of having at least one disability rated at 100 percent disabling and another disability or disabilities rated at a combined 60 percent.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for her lumbar spine disability, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy are denied. The claim for a TDIU is also denied.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to incomplete records and insufficient information regarding employment history.

The Veteran withdrew all remaining issues on appeal, resulting in the dismissal of the cases.