Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's increased disability ratings for lumbar spine disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and impairment of the left shoulder muscle group III have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran was granted compensation for left lower extremity sciatic neuropathy and bowel incontinence as a result of VA surgeries performed in March 2009. The conditions are considered to be the direct result of these procedures.,Both conditions were found to have been caused by an event that could not reasonably have been foreseen, leading to the granting of compensation under Section 1151.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to have had their onset in service.,There is no evidence of a current gout disability or functional impairment due to gout.

The Veteran's service-connected lower back disorder and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing and following any substantially gainful employment from September 23, 2008 to March 28, 2010. An effective date of September 23, 2008 for the grant of basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) is granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and initial compensable evaluations for his service-connected degenerative disc disease at L4-L5, associated radiculopathies of the sciatic nerve in both lower extremities, and femoral nerves in both lower extremities are being remanded due to inadequate VA examination findings. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as it is intertwined with these issues.

The Veteran's right shoulder pain and left shoulder radiculopathy have been granted service connection.,A 20 percent disability rating has been granted for dystaxia, left upper extremity.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected conditions have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and a TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including medical examinations.

The Veteran's claim for reopening service connection for a back disability is granted, and the Board also grants service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to his service-connected low back disorder.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been remanded due to the need for new examinations to evaluate his low back, ankle, radiculopathy, neck, elbow, and upper extremity disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU, finding that his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from being able to work in an office setting.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for ratings and TDIU as the appellant passed away during the appeal process.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to non-compliance with previous directives. The Veteran's service-connected back and left lower extremity radiculopathy are still under appeal.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for additional disability caused by VA surgical care in September 2007, including cervical stenosis with myelopathy/radiculopathy, has been denied.,Eligibility for financial assistance in the purchase of one automobile or other conveyance and automobile adaptive equipment, or automobile adaptive equipment only is also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected low back disability and radiculopathies have been granted increased evaluations, a TDIU has been awarded, and the extension of special monthly compensation based on housebound criteria is granted.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 40 percent, and the claim for an increased rating remains pending.,The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy is each rated at 20 percent, effective April 10, 2014. The claim for higher ratings remains pending.,SMC based on need for aid and attendance was denied as the evidence did not show that the Veteran was helpless or in need of regular aid and assistance.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbar spine disc herniation and degenerative joint disease, as well as the ratings in excess of 20 percent for left and right lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy, are all denied.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU was granted. The evidence shows that his service-connected disabilities prevented him from performing the physical acts required for employment.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to his death.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including service connection claims and a TDIU claim. The Veteran's previously denied dengue fever claim is reopened due to new evidence submitted since the last denial.