Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is currently rated at 20 percent, and his TDIU claim has been denied as he does not meet the schedular requirements for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is remanded due to insufficient medical evidence and the need for a retrospective opinion on his disability from February 3, 2015 to February 1, 2017. The case will also be referred to the Director of Compensation Service for extra-schedular consideration.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is rated at a 20 percent rating prior to May 25, 2018. The Board has remanded the issues of ratings for his lower extremity radiculopathies and loss of use of both lower extremities.,The Veteran’s TDIU, special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate, and effective date prior to February 20, 2008, for Dependents’ Educational Assistance benefits are also remanded.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as the appellant's representative requested withdrawal of the appeal due to the AOJ granting a TDIU.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection and rated at 10%.,The Veteran's hypertension is granted service connection on secondary basis and rated at 10%.,The Veteran’s degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with myofascial pain syndrome of the thoracic spine is granted a rating of 40% prior to May 24, 2019 and thereafter.,The Veteran's chronic neck strain is granted a rating of 20%.,The Veteran’s left lower extremity radiculopathy is granted a rating of 20%.,The Veteran’s right lower extremity radiculopathy is granted a rating of 20%.,The Veteran’s left leg shin splints are denied.,The Veteran’s right leg shin splints are denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and sciatica of the right lower leg, finding no nexus between these conditions and his military service. The case is remanded to obtain an examination to determine if the current sciatic nerve disabilities are related to in-service injuries.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a cervical disorder and associated radiculopathy due to outstanding treatment records and further examination being necessary.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for sleep apnea as it is unclear whether PTSD and obesity are contributing factors. The case will be reviewed with a new medical opinion.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD with anxiety, low back strain with L-5 spinal stenosis, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity are denied. The claim to reopen entitlement to service connection for right and left knee disabilities is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disk disease (DDD) of the low back with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), DDD of the cervical spine, and left lower extremity radiculopathy. Service connection was denied for right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for right lower extremity radiculopathy and degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine due to inadequate development and lack of substantial compliance with previous remands.

The Veteran's claims for an increased evaluation of Arnold Chiari malformation type I with syringomyelia and service connection for a cervical spine disability, to include cervical radiculopathy were denied. The Board found that the current symptoms are attributable to other conditions and not directly related to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, specifically his left knee/lower extremity and back disabilities, are found to render him unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment. The Board granted the TDIU claim with resolution of reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for sciatic nerve neuropathy and femoral nerve radiculopathy were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating than 20 percent for left lower extremity sciatic nerve neuropathy, 20 percent for right lower extremity sciatic nerve neuropathy, or 10 percent for right femoral nerve radiculopathy.

The Board has remanded the cases for further evaluation due to inadequate examination findings and issues related to TDIU.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's appeal due to inadequate medical opinions and the need for further development, including a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for separate ratings for radiculopathy of the left and right upper extremities prior to December 5, 2019 were denied. The case is remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to outstanding VA medical records, a need for additional examination regarding flare-ups, and potential TDIU issues.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and increased rating of bilateral leg disability due to insufficient development and consideration.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of whether a TDIU should be granted on an extraschedular basis prior to March 7, 2008.