Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been granted, with the effective dates being determined based on when his claims were received. The TDIU claim has also been granted.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, obstructive sleep apnea, and pulmonary hypertension have been granted service connection. The heart disorder claim is remanded for further examination. The numbness of upper extremities and arthritis claims are also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for radiculopathy, right and left lower extremities associated with degenerative joint disease have been denied as the evidence does not show moderate or more severe incomplete paralysis.

The Veteran's right upper extremity neuropathy was restored to a 40% rating, effective September 9, 2019.,The Veteran's left upper extremity neuropathy was restored to a 30% rating, effective September 9, 2019.

The Board has granted the petition to reopen a previously denied claim for service connection for low back pain/strain. The claims for service connection for neuropathy/radiculopathy of bilateral upper and lower extremities are remanded due to new evidence received after an unappealed rating decision.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for his knee conditions or left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's headaches were rated at 50% from September 19, 2018 to August 5, 2019 and at 30% beginning August 6, 2019. The effective dates for the initial ratings of 30%, 10%, and 20% were granted on July 18, 2017 for chronic heartburn with stomach bloating and diarrhea, asthma, and cervical spine radiculopathy respectively. The Veteran's CFS was restored to a 20% rating effective August 6, 2019.

The Veteran's claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability was denied because he failed to report for a necessary VA examination without providing good cause.

The Board has granted service connection for mood disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), bladder disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran's service-connected low back, ankle, and foot disabilities are found to have proximately caused these conditions.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent since October 30, 2012.,The Veteran is granted a TDIU effective from the date of claim (October 30, 2012).

The Veteran's sciatic neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities associated with pes planus is being remanded for additional development. The TDIU issue is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the issues on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his back condition with associated radiculopathy, prevented him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation. The Board granted TDIU effective January 29, 2013.

The Veteran's left hip disability, rated as 10% since August 16, 2012, and his low back disability, rated as 40% since March 1, 2013, are granted. A separate 10% rating is granted for limitation of adduction in the left hip. The Veteran's TDIU claim prior to June 12, 2011, is also granted.

A disability rating of 20 percent for a back disability is granted, effective December 9, 2019.,Initial compensable ratings are denied for right and left lower extremity radiculopathies prior to May 15, 2018. Ratings in excess of 10 percent are granted thereafter.,A 10 percent rating is granted for each ankle disability prior to October 21, 2013. Ratings in excess of 10 percent are denied after that date.,Initial compensable ratings are denied for right and left shoulder disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his thoracolumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome, right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy, right lower extremity femoral nerve radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy due to lack of recent VA treatment records and insufficient current evaluations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded several claims for further development due to incomplete records and the need for additional medical opinions. The Veteran's service connection claims are being returned to VA for these purposes.

The Board has previously found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities may warrant SMC for aid and attendance. However, a remand is required to determine if he meets the criteria for such benefits due to his need for regular aid and assistance.

An increased disability rating of 40 percent for lumbar myositis with discogenic disease (back disability) is granted from July 12, 2012 to May 10, 2016.,Higher initial disability ratings of 20 percent are granted for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy and peripheral neuropathy from July 12, 2012.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is less likely than not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected thoracolumbar spine and lower extremity disabilities, including medications taken for these conditions. Therefore, the claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction is denied.