Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2022

The Veteran's service-connected headache disability and other disabilities render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment, qualifying for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability. Additionally, his single service-connected disability (headache) combined with additional disabilities independently rated at 60% qualify him for special monthly compensation at the housebound rate.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including migraine headaches, PTSD, mechanical low back pain, and lumbar radiculopathy, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Left Lower Extremity Radiculopathy, as well as the claim for TDIU. Additional evidence was added to the record since the last SOC.

The Veteran's low back disability, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, nocturnal clenching/bruxism and TMJ syndrome, and PTSD are all rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations. The Board has granted increased ratings for some conditions but denied others.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected lumbar spine and right lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities. The TDIU claim remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have precluded him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation since February 7, 2020. He is also in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy and TDIU due to unclear evidence of severity during the appeal period and need for a new examination.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and associated lumbar radiculopathy prevented him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation from September 20, 2012 to September 19, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his DJD of the lumbar spine was denied as there is no evidence that it resulted in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, including during flare-ups or after repeated use.,Claims for increased ratings for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities were also denied as they did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy, including his service connection claim. Additional development is needed.

The Veteran's back disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy are currently rated at the highest available compensable levels (40 percent for back disability, 10 percent each for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy). The Board has determined that these ratings adequately reflect the severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 and service connection are remanded due to insufficient evidence, including a lack of VA examination and treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the low back is granted an increased evaluation to 40 percent prior to July 2, 2015.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to obtain and/or maintain substantially gainful employment, entitling him to a TDIU.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for various rating claims related to his knee, hip, and radiculopathy conditions. The issues were not pursued further as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and need for additional evidence. The issues include back disability, right leg sciatica, left leg sciatica, right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, left hip disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, right ankle disability, and left ankle disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension, lumbar spine disability, right shoulder disability (secondary to left shoulder), right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy due to insufficient examination reports and need for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in the loss of use of both lower extremities, qualifying him for financial assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing (SAH). The claim for a special home adaptation (SHA) grant is denied as moot.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for broken and chipped teeth, a broken upper and lower jaw, a fractured and broken nose, and fractures of the bilateral hands have been dismissed.,Service connection for a low back disorder was denied as it is not causally or etiologically related to service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied as his combined service-connected disability rating does not meet the schedular or extraschedular criteria for a TDIU.