Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's depressive disorder is caused by his service-connected disabilities, and he is granted a 60 percent rating for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity with partial foot drop with muscle atrophy.

The Veteran's lumbosacral DDD with spondylosis was rated at 10% from November 25, 2009 through November 17, 2019 and at 20% from November 25, 2009 to November 17, 2019. The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy was rated at 20% from November 25, 2009 through November 17, 2019 and the rating for this condition has been increased to 40% since November 18, 2019. The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded.,The Veteran’s lumbosacral DDD with spondylosis was rated at 10% from November 25, 2009 through November 17, 2019 and at 20% from November 25, 2009 to November 17, 2019. The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy was rated at 20% from November 25, 2009 through November 17, 2019 and the rating for this condition has been increased to 40% since November 18, 2019. The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for IVDS of the thoracolumbar spine prior to March 11, 2017 is denied.,A compensable rating for RLE radiculopathy prior to March 11, 2017 is granted.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for IVDS with cervical strain prior to February 14, 2015 is denied.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for post-operative right shoulder debridement/bursectomy/decompression/SLAP repair (dominant) prior to February 14, 2015 is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine disability and radiculopathy of the lower extremities, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on functional loss or incapacitating episodes.

The Veteran's appeal for TDIU is dismissed because he has a total schedular rating for his service-connected disabilities. The appeal for SMC under the housebound or aid and attendance criteria is also dismissed as there are no conditions that meet the requirements for these benefits.

The Board has dismissed all appeals for increased ratings as the Veteran requested withdrawal of these issues before a decision was made.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine disability and LLE radiculopathy are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding functional impairment during flare-ups.

The Board has remanded the claims for gout, OSA, and right leg disability to include sciatica due to issues with the factual basis of the previous decisions and the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 60 percent for the Veteran's lumbar spine injury, finding that the disability does not meet or approximate unfavorable ankylosis.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for his left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has dismissed the appeal because the Veteran withdrew his appeal for the rating reduction of his service-connected radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (sciatic nerve).

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine the current severity and manifestations of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right hand degenerative joint disease, thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease status post thoracic compression fracture, systemic hypertension, esophageal reflux and chronic gastritis, left leg neuropathy, and right leg neuropathy. The case will also be remanded to obtain VA medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of any sleep disorder, ulcerative colitis, and sinusitis/allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various spinal and peripheral nerve disabilities have been denied. The effective dates for service connection are also denied.

The Board dismissed the appeals as to all issues related to service connection due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar disability and initial rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy were both granted. The lumbar disability is rated at 20 percent, effective February 6, 2014.

The Veteran's appeal is denied for service connection for a sleep disorder, increased ratings for various disabilities, and remanded issues. The Veteran remains entitled to further development on the remaining claims.

The Board has found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in a TDIU since March 29, 2016. The remaining issues of increased ratings for various disabilities are remanded due to the need for updated treatment records from Dr. J.K.

Your claims of entitlement to service connection for erectile dysfunction, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been fully granted in a June 2020 rating decision. The appeal is dismissed as there are no pending issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and a new examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's back conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's right knee disorder is being remanded for further development.,Service connection for the Veteran's right knee disorder and neurologic disorders of both lower extremities are also being remanded.