Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2023

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities cause him to need the regular aid and assistance of another person, which has been granted for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the cases for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's right and left leg radiculopathy is caused or aggravated by his service-connected congenital scoliosis and degenerative joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine.

The Board denied service connection for a thoracolumbar spine condition, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine and DISH of the thoracic spine.,Service connection was also denied for right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran was granted an effective date of July 14, 2017, for the grant of service connection for radiculopathy, left lower extremity. However, he was denied a request for an earlier effective date.,For his right wrist scaphoid fracture, the Veteran's claim for a higher rating was granted on August 24, 2017, but it was determined that the increase in severity did not occur prior to this date.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a right knee condition was denied. The rating for cervical fracture of C4-5 status post fusion remains at 30 percent, and the ratings for right upper extremity and left upper extremity cervical radiculopathy were adjusted based on new findings from November 2018 VA examination. The Veteran's duodenal ulcer condition was also denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical and back conditions, as well as sciatic nerve conditions of the lower extremities, are remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy was granted at a 20 percent level, effective October 12, 2017.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for PTSD and evaluations of peripheral neuropathy in both lower extremities, as well as effective date determinations. The Veteran's representative requested information about the qualifications of the VA examiners who provided the necessary examinations.

The Veteran's sciatic and femoral neuropathies of the lower extremities have been granted initial ratings of 20 percent each prior to October 23, 2017. Ratings in excess of these levels are denied.

The Board has granted service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy (claimed as residuals of groin surgery) secondary to the Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that the evidence is approximately evenly balanced in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings of Right and Left Lower Extremity Radiculopathy due to conflicting opinions regarding nerve involvement.

The Veteran's initial 20% rating for lumbar strain/spasm prior to May 25, 2022 is granted. The Veteran's degenerative arthritis/lumbar disability from May 25, 2022 is rated at 40%. The effective date for service connection of left lower extremity radiculopathy is set at October 10, 2018.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his low back disability led to the award of service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy as a neurological manifestation.,An effective date of May 20, 2013 was granted for the award of service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The claim for service connection for DJD with chronic low back pain and lumbar radiculopathy has been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. The case is now remanded for further evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for nerve disorder affecting the left lower extremity, finding no evidence of a direct link to service and considering the long interval between service and diagnosis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to October 12, 2013 prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability and bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy have been granted. The left ankle sprain rating has been restored to 20 percent effective October 27, 2014.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including service connection claims for various conditions. The Veteran's hearing loss in the right ear does not meet VA criteria for a disability, thus denying service connection for that condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU have been remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a combined-effects examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete service records and inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran's complete military personnel file, separation examination reports, and any outstanding medical records are required. Further evaluations by VA are needed to address the etiology of his current disabilities.