Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, separate from the already service-connected lumbar spine strain, is dismissed. The Veteran's migraine headaches are granted a 50% rating. The Veteran's lumbar spine strain is denied a higher rating.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for effective dates of December 9, 2016 for service connection of radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities. The claim for a higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is remanded.

The Veteran's lumbar strain with degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine is rated at 20 percent, but not higher.,The Veteran's left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy is rated at 40 percent.,The Veteran's right lower extremity femoral nerve radiculopathy is rated at 30 percent.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to his service-connected disabilities, with obesity as an intermediate step. The decision is based on medical opinions that link the Veteran's weight gain and subsequent OSA to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine disorder, migraine headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand, carpal tunnel syndrome of the left hand, right leg radiculopathy, and left leg radiculopathy. Service connection is denied for right hip disorder, left hip disorder, right foot disorder, and left foot disorder.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted as he was unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the remaining claims due to inadequate VA examinations and missing private treatment records.

The Board has dismissed the claims of service connection for erectile dysfunction, right knee condition, PTSD with depression, OSA, and left lower extremity radiculopathy as they have already been granted in prior decisions.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity sciatic nerve is currently rated at 10 percent, and no higher.,The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the left hip with impairment of the thigh is currently rated at noncompensable (0%), as it does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for further development due to the need to obtain private medical records from Dr. H. and Dr. B.K.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and back arthritis, have rendered her unable to maintain substantially gainful employment due to their impact on her ability to work as a behavioral and mental health therapist.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and back arthritis, have rendered her unable to maintain substantially gainful employment due to their impact on her ability to work as a behavioral and mental health therapist.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for sinusitis, radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities, a right big toe disability, obstructive sleep apnea, and heart disease due to incomplete records and failure to obtain necessary medical opinions.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted in October 2019 based on his PTSD, neck injury residuals, and right upper extremity radiculopathy. The rating assigned is 70 percent for PTSD.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of March 14, 2016 for service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has determined that the claims file is missing relevant medical evidence, including records from Dr. K.M., and therefore these claims are remanded for further action.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected neck disability and cervical radiculopathy of the bilateral upper extremities have been denied. The evidence does not support a finding that he is entitled to a rating in excess of 20 percent for any condition.

The Veteran's service connected disabilities, including left knee instability, peripheral neuropathy of the sciatic nerves in both legs, and Other Specified Trauma and Stressor Related Disorder with secondary cannabis use, have been granted effective February 20, 2020.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including traumatic arthritis and thoracolumbar spine status post fusion, have resulted in the effective loss of use of both feet. The Board has granted eligibility for financial assistance to purchase an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment due to these conditions. Additionally, the Veteran is also receiving SMC at the housebound rate based on his 100% disability rating from traumatic arthritis, thoracolumbar spine status post fusion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve) and femoral nerve was granted effective February 11, 2019.,A subsequent increased rating for the back disability was also granted effective August 6, 2020.