Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2024

The Veteran's back disability and lower extremity radiculopathy are rated at 40 percent each, effective September 9, 2022. The appeal is granted for these conditions.

The Board dismissed the appeal regarding a proposed reduction in disability ratings for hypertension and RLE sciatic nerve radiculopathy.,The Board also dismissed the appeal regarding entitlement to a higher rating for LLE sciatic nerve radiculopathy.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow gainful employment from at least August 1, 2014, and the Board granted a TDIU effective that date.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including diabetes, stroke, and vision problems, have prevented him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment from July 1, 2019, to February 16, 2022.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lethargy, bilateral leg sciatic nerve pain, bilateral hip condition, and low back condition. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant as they do not result in anatomical loss, blindness, or significant functional impairment that would qualify under the applicable regulations.

The Board has granted earlier effective dates of June 26, 2017 for service connection for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Lumbar Spine Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) with degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease, Right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, and Left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of service connection for sleep apnea, increased ratings for his service-connected back disability and associated neurological disabilities, and TDIU. The case will be remanded to obtain additional VA examination opinions and a retrospective opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for a left lower extremity radiculopathy due to inadequate medical examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for left lower extremity radiculopathy is granted, and he is now entitled to a rating of 20 percent from August 25, 2015.,An increased rating of 20 percent for the lumbar spine disability is granted as of August 25, 2015. The Veteran's radiculopathy symptoms are part and parcel of his claim for an increased rating of his back disability.

The Veteran's appeal for initial compensable ratings for hearing loss and PTSD, to include major depressive disorder and insomnia disorder is dismissed.,Service connection for a low back disability is denied.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is being remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The Board finds that medical clarification is required regarding whether the Veteran needs regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all issues related to service connection and increased ratings, effectively dismissing the appeal.

The Veteran's effective date for a 100% disability rating for PTSD, excoriation disorder, and multiple substance use disorders is granted as of May 19, 2020. The effective dates for the other conditions are also granted.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings on multiple conditions is remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records. The issues include tinnitus, major depressive disorder (MDD), lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD), right lower extremity radiculopathy, right wrist sprain, right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, and TDIU.

The Veteran's disability ratings for cervical spine IVDS, right upper extremity radiculopathy, and left upper extremity radiculopathy were restored to their previous levels.,An increased disability rating of 40% was granted for degenerative arthritis and disc disease of the lumbar spine from January 10, 2023.

The Veteran's service connection for bilateral lower extremity sciatica was granted effective September 20, 2020. The condition is secondary to his previously service-connected lumbar degenerative disc disease.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, left shoulder strain, and radiculopathy of the upper extremities were all denied ratings in excess of their current assigned ratings.

The Veteran's initial rating of 40 percent for sciatic nerve and external popliteal nerve radiculopathy of the right lower extremity is restored effective July 16, 2019. The Veteran was denied higher ratings for femoral nerve radiculopathy of the right lower extremity.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination, requiring a new opinion on whether the Veteran's lower back disability is related to his military service.