Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination regarding the Veteran's cervical spine disability and associated radiculopathy. The Veteran needs a new VA examination to assess his loss of function during flare-ups and after repetitive use.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected degenerative changes, lumbosacral spine and radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's TDIU application is granted, and the Board has remanded for further examination regarding his lumbar spine degenerative arthritis.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is rated at zero percent, as the average puretone threshold in both ears is within Level I.,The Veteran’s DDD of the lumbosacral spine is currently rated at 40 percent. The examiner found forward flexion limited to 15 degrees and no ankylosis.,The Veteran's RLE radiculopathy involving sciatic nerve is currently rated at 20 percent, based on moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including scoliosis and degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine, as well as radiculopathy in both lower extremities, have resulted in a combined disability rating of 60 percent. The case is remanded for further consideration.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been remanded due to the need for further development. The issues of entitlement to a rating in excess of 40 percent for chronic lumbar strain, as well as those of bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy and bladder disorder, are currently pending.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and TDIU claims have been denied. The Veteran was granted a higher rating for his bilateral lower extremity radiculopathies since December 4, 2019.

The Veteran's service connection claims for headaches, respiratory disability (chronic bronchitis), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), infection of the tonsils, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), fatigue, hypertension, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, shin splints, hemorrhoids, retracted testicle, and low sex drive have been granted. Effective dates prior to February 13, 2018 for bilateral foot bunions and tinnitus are denied.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back disability and sciatica of the lower extremities, but denied service connection for his left hip disability.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of neck injury, residuals of back injury, and radiculopathy in the extremities (claimed as peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities).,The preponderance of evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during or were otherwise related to active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar strain, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and right knee conditions are being remanded due to the need for further action by the AOJ.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is granted as service connected.,Right lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to service-connected lumbar spine disability is granted.,Left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, presumed due to Agent Orange exposure, is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service connection claims for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve are all granted as secondary to his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in him being in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted as special monthly compensation (SMC).

The Veteran's service-connected musculoskeletal disabilities, including her bilateral knee and lumbar spine conditions, have prevented her from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment since April 10, 2017.

The Veteran's lumbar spine IVDS is granted at a 40 percent evaluation beginning November 17, 2016. The initial evaluations for sciatic radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities are denied.

The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 40 percent prior to August 28, 2020, and the appeal for a higher rating is denied from that date forward.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from December 31, 2015 to June 5, 2019. From June 5, 2019, the Veteran was in receipt of a 100% rating for lung cancer and SMC based on his additional service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected low back disability and radiculopathy are being remanded due to the addition of new evidence.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board has determined that a new examination is needed due to his testimony indicating an increase in severity since the last examination.