Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left lower extremity diabetic neuropathy (sciatic nerve) and femoral nerve disabilities have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding of more than moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded for referral to the Director of Compensation and Pension Service for extraschedular consideration due to his service-connected thoracic spine and left lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is rated at 10 percent prior to July 20, 2017 and at 20 percent thereafter. The Veteran's sciatic radiculopathy of the left leg is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance and/or adaptive equipment due to lack of loss or permanent loss of use of hands or feet, ankylosis of knees or hips, or vision impairment.

The Veteran's claims for right knee disability and right lower extremity sciatica/radiculopathy have been denied as new and relevant evidence has not been received. The claim for skin disability (uricaria) is established but the service connection remains to be determined.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and maintaining a substantially gainful occupation, thus his claim for TDIU was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are considered for eligibility in obtaining specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant. However, the Board notes that additional evidence has been received and requires further review by the AOJ.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for a 10% evaluation for service-connected right lower extremity radiculopathy is granted, but the decision does not address this issue. The effective date of August 6, 2011, is set as the earliest possible date due to the Veteran's active duty status.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 40 percent for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity was denied, and his claim for an effective date earlier than October 2, 2018 for service connection for this condition was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of 20 percent for a cervical spine strain with DJD, DDD, and right hand radiculopathy has been granted. The appeal is also granted to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for sciatica of the right lower extremity.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, right sciatica and sleep apnea were denied. The claim for TDIU prior to April 2, 2013 was also denied.

The Veteran withdrew all of his claims, including those related to service connection for various disabilities and initial ratings.

The Veteran is seeking earlier effective dates for service connection for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities, to include whether there was clear and unmistakable error (CUE) with a February 2009 rating decision. The Board has determined that remand is necessary to provide the Veteran with notice as to what elements of CUE were not met.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings and staged initial ratings for degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and to obtain VA treatment records. The issues of increased ratings for various service-connected disabilities are also remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a back disorder, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy due to lack of response regarding an in-service Humvee rollover accident.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his hip and sciatic nerve disabilities have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher evaluations based on current functional impairment.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar spondylosis and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as his claim for a TDIU. The Veteran is requested to undergo a VA examination to assess the current severity of his disabilities, and the case will be referred to the Director of Compensation Service for consideration of a TDIU on an extraschedular basis if warranted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and left-sided sciatica, as well as his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The issues are being remanded due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are remanded due to the need for further evaluation and consideration of his service-connected conditions.