Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2023

The Veteran's disability ratings for his left and right lower extremity sciatic nerve disabilities were improperly reduced from 40 percent to 10 percent effective June 1, 2018. The Board has restored the original ratings of 40 percent for both disabilities.

The Veteran's LUE radiculopathy was found to have severe incomplete paralysis of all radicular groups, warranting a 60 percent rating effective March 17, 2023.

The Veteran's request for higher ratings for her left great toe, left ankle, right and left lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy disabilities prior to April 20, 2022 is denied. The Board has requested additional VA medical opinions regarding the severity of these conditions.

The Board has found that there has not been substantial compliance with its directive to obtain VA examinations for the Veteran's service-connected disabilities. Therefore, another remand is necessary.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and initial ratings for narcolepsy and radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to January 20, 2021 is being remanded due to procedural issues and the need for further development regarding her income during that period.

The Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected radiculopathy, sciatic and musculocutaneous nerves (superficial peroneal), left lower extremity and radiculopathy, anterior crural nerve (femoral), left lower extremity are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence.,The Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected radiculopathy, sciatic and musculocutaneous nerves (superficial peroneal), left lower extremity and radiculopathy, anterior crural nerve (femoral), left lower extremity are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection. The lumbar spine disability, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, and bilateral hearing loss claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to April 4, 2019 due to his service-connected lumbar disability. He also receives special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate as he has other service-connected disabilities rated at least 60 percent combined with a single 100% disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete service medical records. The Veteran's active duty and Army Reserve service are acknowledged, but further efforts must be made to obtain his complete service medical records.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for lumbosacral IVDS was denied, but she received a separate 10% rating for left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy associated with IVDS effective from May 17, 2017.

The Board has restored the appellant's disability ratings for his left foot disability and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, but has remanded the issues regarding increased ratings.

The Veteran's left upper extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been granted service connection as secondary to their respective service-connected back disability.,From March 25, 2019, the Veteran's back disability has been granted an increased rating of 40 percent.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for ratings in excess of 10 percent for a lumbar spine disability, to include disc herniation and IVDS, right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy, left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy, and compensable ratings for right and left lower extremity meralgia paresthetica.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, qualifying for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance. However, he does not meet the criteria for housebound status due to his multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection has been denied. The initial rating for other specified trauma and stress-related disorder remains at 30 percent, right ankle residuals remain noncompensable, and there is no evidence of a compensable rating for the remaining conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of a back disability is denied.,The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for the grants of service connection for left and right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy, as well as left and right lower extremity femoral nerve radiculopathy are all denied.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 10% rating for allergic rhinitis is denied.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU (Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability) is granted.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability have been dismissed due to his death. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate these claims as the Veteran died during their pendency.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to peripheral neuropathy and radiculopathy of various nerves in the lower and upper extremities. The Board has determined that these claims should be remanded for further development.,The Veteran seeks service connection for conditions including left lower extremity radiculopathy of the obturator nerve, right lower extremity radiculopathy of the ilio-inguinal nerve, etc., which are currently being reviewed.

The appellant withdrew her appeals for all issues related to the grant of service connection and increased initial ratings for various nerve conditions. The Board dismissed these appeals as a result.