Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Board has found that the reductions of ratings for back and right knee disabilities were improper due to inadequate examinations. The claims are remanded for further evaluations.

The Board dismissed the appeals for earlier effective dates and service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic), left upper extremity radiculopathy, right upper extremity radiculopathy, and cervical degenerative disc disease and arthritis, spinal stenosis, herniated C7-T1, intervertebral disc syndrome, status post spinal fusion.

The Veteran's appeal of proposed reductions in ratings for his service-connected back disability and right sciatic nerve radiculopathy is dismissed. The claim of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for left sciatic nerve radiculopathy is remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity. The case is remanded to obtain a retrospective medical review to assess the severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability during the period on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for left and right upper extremity radiculopathy was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 20 percent for either condition.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was aggravated during service, his back disability is related to service, and his lower extremity radiculopathy is linked to his service-connected back disability. Service connection for all conditions has been granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including persistent depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, is found to have begun during service. Effective February 4, 2020, a 20% rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy is granted. The effective date of the separate 20% rating for left lower radiculopathy remains January 14, 2021.

The Veteran's service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and related conditions, including diabetic nephropathy, bilateral upper extremity neuropathies, and lower extremity neuropathies is granted effective August 10, 2022.

The Board has denied service connection for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity and remanded the claim for adjustment disorder. The Veteran's radiculopathy is not shown to be related to his military service, while his adjustment disorder may be related to civilian life.

The Board has found that additional medical opinions are needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions, including gout, abdominal aortic aneurysm, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and radiculopathy. The case is being remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's chronic sinusitis is granted as service connected on a direct basis due to exposure to burn pits during his service in Djibouti.,The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis is granted as service connected on a direct basis, related to his time as an aviator and the hard landings he experienced.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, left knee condition, back condition, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, have rendered her unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been granted. His left knee, right knee, hypertension, erectile dysfunction (secondary to back disability), left lower extremity sciatic nerve pain, and right lower extremity sciatic nerve pain are all found to be related to his military service.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection of a right lower extremity disability and left lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as her eligibility for specially adapted housing. The decision also granted her eligibility for special home adaptation due to permanent total service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, cervical spine degenerative arthritis, thoracic strain, right upper extremity radiculopathy, right knee degenerative arthritis and chondromalacia patella, left knee degenerative arthritis and chondromalacia patella, left ankle ganglion cyst and ruptured saphenous vein, and left great toe matrixectomy with a left medial foot scar. The Board found that the Veteran's conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates are being remanded due to a duty to assist error. Additional evidence is needed, including private treatment records.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of heatstroke is also being remanded due to a duty to assist error. A VA examination is required to determine the current severity of her service-connected heatstroke and its impact on her headaches.

The Veteran's claims for tinnitus and an acquired psychiatric disability were dismissed due to improper concurrent elections.,The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of back, sciatic nerve, right shoulder, foot, skin, left-hand, or right-hand disabilities. The claim for headaches was also denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been granted. She is now receiving a 40 percent disability rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral plantar fascitis, right hip strain, left hip strain, and OSA.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings have been denied.,Effective May 30, 2014, the Veteran has TDIU based on his low back condition.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal for service connection for lower left extremity radiculopathy due to a concurrent election. The Board has also granted service connection for sleep apnea, finding that it is proximately due to his service-connected PTSD, left ankle condition, and left shoulder condition.