Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2023

The Veteran's right shoulder disability, bilateral hearing loss, tension headaches, PTSD with alcohol use disorder and TBI residuals, left sciatic radicular pain, and right sciatic radicular pain are all denied. The Veteran is granted service connection for left and right sciatic radicular pain.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities have prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful occupation since January 20, 2022. The Board granted a TDIU effective as of that date.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity radiculopathies have been granted effective from March 24, 2003. Initial ratings of 20 percent are assigned for the conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.,The Veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions, including a lumbar disorder, dental disorders, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression, insomnia, and anxiety), headaches, and dry eye syndrome.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbosacral spine disorder, right lower extremity sciatic nerve disorder, and left lower extremity sciatic nerve disorder due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 20 percent, but not higher. The left upper extremity radiculopathy was initially granted a 30 percent rating and later increased to 60 percent.,The Veteran's TDIU claim has been granted.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of neck disorder, upper extremity radiculopathy, scoliosis, and lung disorder due to a lack of appeal from the Veteran.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 50 percent disability rating prior to July 21, 2017. From July 21, 2017, the Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 40 percent disability rating.,The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at a 40 percent disability rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new VA examinations and medical opinions regarding his low back disorder and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board granted service connection for left and right hip disabilities as secondary to a service-connected back disability, with a 40 percent rating effective September 13, 2016.

The Board has already granted service connection for sciatica, right lower extremity and left lower extremity secondary to low back condition. Therefore, the appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 10 percent, the lowest possible rating due to mild symptoms.

The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at a 40 percent since April 30, 2019. The Board affirms this rating.

The Veteran's left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy is granted a 20 percent disability rating, effective from June 27, 2023 for the femoral nerve radiculopathy. Service connection for GERD is also granted.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity (sciatic) and femoral nerves was granted increased ratings since February 17, 2023. The right lower extremity sciatic nerve condition remains at a 40% rating since February 17, 2023.

The Veteran's diabetes and related neuropathy conditions are being remanded for further development, including clarification of hospitalization dates and additional medical evidence. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine condition, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeals for a compensable initial rating for right ear hearing loss and service connection for left ear hearing loss have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal. The Board has also remanded the issues of entitlement to service connection for a thoracolumbar spine condition, bilateral lower extremity recalcitrant sciatica, and migraine headaches.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine, lumbar spine, and lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities based on the Veteran's in-service helicopter crashes. The conditions are presumed to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from performing the physical acts required for employment, and therefore compensation for TDIU is granted.