Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2024

The Veteran's back disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the femoral nerve are all granted with specific ratings.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and a temporary total evaluation are being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records, additional private medical records, and a new VA examination.

The Veteran is granted initial disability ratings of 20 percent for left and right leg radiculopathy from November 19, 2019 to November 6, 2020. The claims are remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is granted, with an effective date from June 11, 2014.,Service connection is established for left and right lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy secondary to service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings and TDIU have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disorder is rated at 40 percent from February 3, 2022 onward. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and TDIU prior to February 3, 2022 are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been granted. The effective date of the award is March 22, 2018.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no earlier effective date sought or indicated by the Veteran.

The Board has denied service connection for left knee and middle finger conditions, as well as low back and right lower extremity radiculopathy. The claims are still pending and will be remanded to further develop the evidence.

The Veteran's appeal regarding higher evaluations for his lumbar spine disability and sciatic nerve radiculopathies in the lower extremities was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating higher than 40 percent for right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy from May 2, 2023, or any other issues raised.

The Board has remanded the claims for left knee strain, degenerative arthritis of the spine (lower back pain), and LLE radiculopathy due to inadequate VA examinations and missing medical records. The appellant will need a new examination to assess his current disability levels and determine if his conditions are secondary to his service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder and left cervical radiculopathy are granted service connection. The claim for an increased rating for left ankle degenerative joint disease is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation for any time period on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone or in combination did not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and work history.

The Veteran's right leg radiculopathy with impairment of the internal saphenous nerve is rated as noncompensable due to mild or moderate incomplete paralysis, which does not meet criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the etiology and aggravation of the Veteran's cervical spine disability, which is related to his service-connected medial neuropathy of the right hand/carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected lumbosacral strain, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, and right knee disabilities. The Veteran is also being asked to complete a VA Form 21-8940 regarding his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected PTSD, back condition, and RLE radiculopathy. The Veteran's claims for headaches, right knee condition, left knee condition, and TDIU are also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD, cervical spine disability, radiculopathy (right and left upper extremities), posttraumatic residual degenerative joint disease of the right hip, posttraumatic residual fracture injury of right leg with impairment of right knee extension, obstructive sleep apnea, lumbar spine disability, and TDIU are all granted. The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 30% from August 3, 2023 onwards.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, nocturnal bruxism, a scar on the right eye following an accident, retinal degeneration, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (claimed as bilateral sciatica), and other conditions. The Board found no current disabilities or sufficient evidence to establish service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine, lumbar strain, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, hernia, allergic rhinitis (allergies), and plantar fasciitis due to incomplete STRs and other procedural issues.,Specifically, the Veteran was not provided proper notification regarding her STRs as required by 38 C.F.R. § 3.159(e).