Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with DDD L5-S1 and radiculopathy of left lower extremity associated with degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine were denied. The VA determined that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, peripheral neuropathy of the left sciatic nerve, and peripheral neuropathy of the right sciatic nerve have been dismissed.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of PTSD has been dismissed. The Board found that his service-connected disabilities in combination (including especially his PTSD, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and diplopia) have precluded him from re-entering the workforce.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a prostate disorder has been reopened and granted.,Service connection is established for PTSD. The Veteran's in-service stressors are considered credible.

The Veteran's right and left lower extremity radiculopathies are each rated at 20 percent, effective July 8, 2020. The Veteran’s back scar is rated at 10 percent prior to June 18, 2019, and the rating for this condition will be reconsidered due to a change in VA regulations. Service connection for a left knee disability and PTSD are both remanded.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to inadequate development of his medical records and the need for a new opinion regarding his service-connected back condition. The Board also refers the case for extraschedular consideration.

The Board has determined that more development is needed to determine if the Veteran's back/spine disability is service-connected. The case is being remanded for additional examination and review of records.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for increased ratings of 10 percent and 20 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy and residuals of a right patella fracture, respectively.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment, except for his lumbar spine disability which may impact sedentary work. The Board finds the Veteran is not entitled to TDIU prior to April 23, 2018.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent prior to November 4, 2019 and denied for higher ratings. The radiculopathy of the right lower extremity is also denied for higher ratings.

A rating of 20 percent for the Veteran's lumbar spine condition was granted from September 10, 2012 to October 13, 2014.,From October 13, 2014, a 40 percent rating for the lumbar spine condition was granted effective October 9, 2018.,A 10 percent rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy was granted from September 10, 2012 to August 28, 2018.,From August 28, 2018, a higher rating of 20 percent for the left lower extremity radiculopathy was denied.,A 10 percent rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy was granted from February 22, 2017 to October 2, 2019. A 20 percent rating was granted thereafter.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than July 16, 2008 for a 20% rating for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine with spinal stenosis was denied.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than July 16, 2008 for a 10% rating for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity was denied.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than July 16, 2008 for a 10% rating for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity was denied.

The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative disc disease and left upper extremity radiculopathy are granted service connection. The bilateral shoulder disability, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, bilateral lower extremity neuropathy, and bilateral knee osteoarthritis are denied. Service connection for the left trigeminal neuralgia is granted with a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's TDIU was granted effective May 27, 2015 due to his service-connected disabilities resulting in severe physical limitations.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a new VA peripheral nerves examination to address the etiology and severity of his claimed cervical radiculopathy.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hepatitis C, lichen simplex chronicus and prurigo nodularis associated with hepatitis C, mild spondylosis of the lumbar spine, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral) associated with mild spondylosis of the lumbar spine due to new evidence received since the last decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow any substantially gainful employment since March 1, 2016.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to the need for updated treatment records and more current VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities, as well as radiculopathy of the left upper extremity due to outstanding VA treatment records and a need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's heart disability is denied as not related to service. From May 22, 2017, the Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy is granted with a 20% rating.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain has been rated at 40 percent since August 18, 2009.,The Veteran is granted a TDIU effective November 1, 2014.