Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2022

The Veteran's neck disability is rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to lack of forward flexion or ankylosis.,The Veteran's right upper extremity radiculopathy is rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Veteran's right wrist poly radiculopathy/neuropathy and carpal tunnel syndrome was granted a 30 percent disability rating prior to March 26, 2019.,The Veteran's left wrist poly radiculopathy/neuropathy and carpal tunnel syndrome was granted a 20 percent disability rating prior to March 26, 2019.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new medical opinion regarding his claimed left wrist condition and cervical radiculopathy.

The Board has remanded several claims for increased ratings and an earlier effective date due to deficiencies in the VA examinations and missing medical records. The Veteran's left knee disability, lumbar spine apophysis, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and bilateral pes planus with hind foot valgus, bunion formation, and degenerative arthritis are all subject to further review.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left lower extremity sciatic and femoral peripheral neuropathy disabilities are rated at 10 percent prior to September 13, 2017. Effective September 13, 2017, the ratings for his right and left lower extremity sciatic and femoral peripheral neuropathy disabilities were increased to 20 percent each.

The Veteran's right and left lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the sciatic nerve disabilities are each rated at 10 percent prior to September 11, 2019 and increased to 40 percent thereafter. The Veteran's Dengue fever residuals including cervical and inguinal area ancillary lymphadenopathy remain noncompensable.,The Veteran's right and left lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the sciatic nerve disabilities are each rated at 10 percent prior to September 11, 2019 and increased to 40 percent thereafter. The Veteran's Dengue fever residuals including cervical and inguinal area ancillary lymphadenopathy remain noncompensable.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and lower extremity radiculopathy during flare-ups and after repeated use over time.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding his service-connected right sciatica, back condition, left leg condition, prostate condition, and erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's appeal of his claim for service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy has been dismissed because the appellant withdrew their appeal prior to a final decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the vaccinations given in service and the etiology of the Veteran's left arm disabilities, including carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis throughout the appeal period prior to December 30, 2019 due to his service-connected radiculopathies of bilateral lower extremities and intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) of the lumbar spine. The effective date for Dependents' Education Assistance (DEA) benefits under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 was also granted prior to December 30, 2019.

The Veteran's spine disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve have been granted separate ratings, with the right lower extremity radiculopathy rated at 20 percent since December 11, 2014. The spine disability remains rated at 60 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a spine examination to assess the severity of his service-connected lumbosacral strain and intervertebral disc syndrome.

The Veteran's service connection claims for peripheral neuropathy, restless leg syndrome, and lumbar radiculopathy due to herbicide exposure are denied. The Board found no current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy and concluded that the Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of restless leg syndrome or lumbar radiculopathy.

The Veteran is granted TDIU and SMC at the housebound rate due to service-connected disabilities, effective July 19, 2018.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine and radiculopathy of the right sciatic nerve have been granted increased ratings.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, psychiatric disability (to include PTSD), hyperlipidemia, cervical spine disability, thoracolumbar spine disability, cervical radiculopathy of the upper extremities, and lumbar radiculopathy of the lower extremities. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a current disability in each case.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been dismissed. A TDIU has been granted, but an effective date earlier than December 15, 2014, for the peripheral neuropathy of his lower extremities has not been established.

The Board has determined that further development is required to obtain the Veteran's service treatment records and to provide VA examinations for his musculoskeletal disorders, as well as any left ear hearing loss and low blood pressure diagnoses. The claims are being remanded.