Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left lower extremity radiculopathy and left knee disability have been denied. The current evaluations of 60 percent for the radiculopathy and 10 percent for the left knee are found to be appropriate based on the severity of symptoms and functional limitations.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous directives and for additional examination.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for his lumbar spine disability is denied. The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to July 6, 2016 is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are to be evaluated further.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for leukopenia has been denied as it is not a disability for which VA benefits can be awarded.,The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 0 percent for bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including restoring a 60 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected back disability and determining appropriate ratings for left leg radiculopathy. The VA must also conduct additional examinations to assess the severity of the Veteran's disabilities.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected, with a grant of service connection for bilateral hearing loss denied.,Prior to January 8, 2020, the Veteran's cervicogenic tension-type headaches are not rated higher than 30 percent. Effective from January 8, 2020, his disability rating is increased to 50 percent.,TDIU was granted prior to November 2, 2015.

The Board has determined that additional examinations are needed to assess the severity of the Veteran's postoperative DDD of the thoracolumbar spine with strain and RLE radiculopathy, as well as any related peripheral nerve involvement. The issues are all inextricably intertwined and must be remanded for concurrent consideration.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left lower extremity sciatica and right lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities are remanded due to missing VA treatment records from before July 25, 2014.

The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 20% effective November 18, 2019. The claim for GERD service connection is denied. The claims for lumbar spine and left knee DJD are remanded.

The Veteran's 20 percent rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy is restored, effective December 10, 2019. A TDIU from October 10, 2007 to April 21, 2010 is granted.

Effective September 2, 2014, the Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on loss of use of both feet due to service-connected conditions including diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and vascular disease.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for lumbar degenerative disc disease and spondylosis is denied as his disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left wrist condition and left upper extremity cervical radiculopathy, finding that there is no current diagnosis of these conditions separate from his already service-connected left cubital tunnel syndrome.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are not ready for decision due to inadequate VA examinations, and thus these issues must be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy and lower extremity paresthesia are not service-connected.,The Veteran's hemorrhoids were resolved, and his gastrointestinal (GI) disorder other than GERD is not service-connected.

The Veteran's TDIU claim has been granted with an effective date of October 20, 2015. The Board also remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his back and leg conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for radiculopathy of the bilateral upper extremities was denied. The evidence did not show that cervical radiculopathy existed prior to November 23, 2009.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for his TDIU was also denied. His TDIU award was granted on November 23, 2009, and the current effective date remains January 18, 2005.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for feet, multiple callous and surgical procedures was denied. The application to reopen the right knee disability claim was also denied.,The claims for ratings in excess of 20 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral nerve) and sciatic nerve associated with degenerative joint disease, lumbosacral spine, status post discectomies were remanded. The claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee ligamentous strain with periodic pain and swelling was also remanded.

The Veteran's back disability and radiculopathy of the lower extremities are rated at 40 percent before August 10, 2015. The rating for his back disability is granted, while ratings for his radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities remain at 40 percent.