Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2024

The proposed reduction in the evaluation of left leg sciatic nerve radiculopathy from 20 percent to 10 percent was dismissed because no actual reduction had taken place.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes. The claims for low back, left and right hip, as well as left and right ankle disabilities are remanded due to insufficient medical nexus opinions regarding their relationship to service-connected conditions. The claim for right lower extremity nerve condition (claimed as pain, numbness, and tingling) is also remanded.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is restored to a 30 percent rating effective March 29, 2022.,A higher rating for right upper extremity radiculopathy and right shoulder disability is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient information to decide the case regarding the Veteran's bilateral lower extremity sciatica. A VA examination is needed to determine if her condition may be related to service.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve warrants a disability rating of 40 percent, but no higher.,Prior to November 17, 2021, the Veteran met the criteria for TDIU and SMC based on housebound status.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to errors in the original decision and requires further investigation into the nature of any conditions that may account for the Veteran's claimed symptoms.

The Board has granted initial ratings of 20 percent for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, effective from the date of service connection.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity (musculocutaneous) is granted at a 10 percent rating. The other conditions remain denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obesity is dismissed as a matter of law. The Board also granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is dismissed. The Board has granted a 40 percent disability rating, but no higher, for right lower extremity sciatica.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for cervical spine degenerative arthritis with left upper extremity radiculopathy, which is secondary to his service-connected back disability.

The Board has granted earlier effective dates for the Veteran's service connection and increased ratings, including a 20% evaluation for lumbar IVDS with lumbar spondylosis, a 40% evaluation for neurogenic bladder, and 10% evaluations for radiculopathy of both lower extremities.

The Board has granted effective dates of October 3, 2019 for service connection of left and right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, degenerative disc disease L5-S1, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, tinnitus, and GERD, have rendered her unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment since August 12, 2019. As of February 2, 2022, she met the schedular criteria for TDIU.

The Veteran's radiculopathy, right lower extremity, sciatic nerve was granted a disability rating of 20 percent effective December 30, 2020.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy and chondromalacia of the left knee are being remanded for additional development.,A VA examination is needed to address the severity of the Veteran's bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, specifically his reports of throbbing pain, swelling, and leg tremors at night.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions render him in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the claims for right lower extremity radiculopathy, lumbar spine spondylolisthesis, and left lower extremity radiculopathy due to incomplete evidence. The Veteran's total disability rating based on individual unemployability is also remanded.

The Veteran's left hip osteoarthritis is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy was granted a 20 percent disability rating effective March 25, 2022. The Veteran contends for an earlier effective date.

The Board has found that the Veteran's service connection claims for various disabilities are remanded due to errors in obtaining and reviewing VA treatment records prior to August 2019, as well as failing to schedule a VA examination.