Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2022

The appellant withdrew their appeals for various rating claims, including those related to peripheral neuropathy of the left foot, right clavicle fracture, right foot neuropathy and sciatica, left hip osteoarthritis, right hip osteoarthritis, and right knee osteoarthritis. The appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for lumbar degenerative disc disease with herniated nucleus pulposus and spondylosis, radiculopathy of the LLE (sciatic nerve), and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings in all periods.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have made him in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting SMC based on this need.

The Board has granted service connection for right lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy and left lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy as direct service-connected conditions.,Further, the Veteran's increased rating claim for low back disability is remanded due to inextricability with his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as he can still perform sedentary or light physical work.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities, and grants a TDIU with a combined rating of 80 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic stomach pain is denied as there is no current evidence of a stomach disorder.,For the period prior to November 2, 2015, the Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy was rated at 10 percent. From November 2, 2015, to October 17, 2021, it was rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right knee strain and instability are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board has remanded his claim for an increased rating. His RLE radiculopathy is currently rated at 20 percent since July 31, 2021.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection due to lack of evidence showing an intent to seek benefits prior to November 12, 2013.

The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder disorder, but remanded the claims for service connection of other conditions including a right hand disorder, right foot disorder, right hip disorder, and low back disorder due to in-service injuries.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back condition, including a lumbar disc protrusion and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran's current conditions are found to be causally related to his active service.

The Veteran's neck disability, including fracture C5 compression with degenerative arthritis and bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy, is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board denied a higher rating as the evidence does not support limitation of motion or IVDS that would warrant a higher rating.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral eye condition, liver condition, back condition, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy. The issues have been remanded.

The Veteran's claims for left ear hearing loss and right sciatic nerve radiculopathy are remanded due to the need for updated examination results. Effective date claims are also remanded as they are inextricably intertwined with the rating claims.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for depressive disorder, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, or knee osteoarthritis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to April 17, 2018.

Your appeals for increased ratings have been dismissed as the Veteran has withdrawn his appeal.

The Veteran's bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy is granted as secondary to his service-connected cervical spine disability. The Veteran's increased rating claim for his cervical spine disability and TDIU claim are remanded.