Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy were denied. The Board found that the current ratings of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain, 10 percent before September 24, 2019, and 20 percent thereafter for both lower extremities radiculopathy are appropriate.

The Veteran's service-connected left and right upper extremity radiculopathy disabilities, along with his cervical spine disability, rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment throughout the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to service connection for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities, as well as hypertension. The Veteran's claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's service connection for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy was granted with an effective date of January 12, 2018. The Board denied the request for earlier effective dates as it is not a legal basis to submit such claims.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for left shoulder bicipital tendonitis was granted with a 20% rating effective February 12, 2018. The claim for service connection for allergies is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability has been remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to determine if referral of his TDIU claim for extra-schedular consideration prior to December 15, 2016, is warranted.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and consideration due to a duty-to-assist error.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial disability rating for his service-connected right lower extremity radiculopathy was denied. The Board found the evidence did not support a higher rating than the current 20 percent assigned since September 19, 2018. The issue of entitlement to TDIU due to multiple service-connected disabilities is remanded.

The Board denied increased ratings for various knee, shoulder, spine, and elbow disabilities. The Veteran's left ulnar nerve disability was also denied.

The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is manifested by no more than moderate severe incomplete paralysis and the Board has granted a disability rating of 40 percent, but no greater.

The Veteran's back disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy have been rated, but not at the maximum levels. The TDIU has been granted from January 21, 2015.,The Veteran is currently in receipt of a 40 percent rating for his back disability, a 10 percent rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy, and a 20 percent rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increased rating based on unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.,The Veteran's TDIU claim was also denied as he had multiple service-connected disabilities, but none met the criteria for a 60% disability rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his conditions did not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been remanded due to the need for further evaluation or development.,Specifically, his degenerative arthritis and IVDS of the lumbar spine are currently rated at 40 percent, but he seeks a higher rating. His left lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's back condition and right lower extremity radiculopathy have been rated at the highest possible schedular rating (100%) since November 27, 2007. The appeal for higher ratings is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's bilateral foot disability and low back disability with sciatica. The case will be reviewed again for a proper assessment.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to incomplete service records and need for a medical opinion regarding the Veteran's low back disability.

The Veteran's right leg quad tendon repair surgery is denied as service connection, and his non-initial rating for sciatica associated with lower back condition is also denied due to lack of a causal relationship between the current symptoms and service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various disabilities, including bilateral knee and neck disabilities, right ankle disability, insomnia (claimed as secondary to psychiatric disorder and tinnitus), low back disability, penile disability, and sciatica. Additional VA examinations are needed to address the etiology of these conditions.