Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy with diabetic peripheral neuropathy was denied a higher rating as the evidence did not show it to be more than mild or moderate in severity.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to June 18, 2015.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spondylosis, degenerative and radiculopathy with osteophyritis and back condition due to lack of new and relevant evidence.,The Board also denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bladder cancer, coronary artery disease, and prostate cancer as there was no new and relevant evidence submitted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess his current disability levels and functional limitations. The issues include ratings for chronic lumbosacral strain post laminectomies with fusion due to degenerative disc disease, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy involving the sciatic nerve, residuals of a right great toe fracture, and TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for a rating of 40 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy and TDIU from December 20, 2005 is granted. The decision also includes an earlier effective date for the TDIU.

The Board has remanded three issues related to the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and associated radiculopathy of the lower extremities due to inadequate examinations, in particular regarding functional loss during flare-ups.

The Veteran's headaches were granted a 50% disability rating effective September 28, 2017. However, his TDIU claim was denied as he is not unemployable due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran is entitled to an earlier effective date of April 14, 2008 for a TDIU due to her service-connected disabilities and inability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, duodenal ulcer, lumbosacral strain, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy have all been denied. The effective date of the awards is April 23, 2014.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder, bilateral lower extremity neurological disorders (ranging from radiculopathy to adhesive capsulitis), right shoulder disorder, and left shoulder disorder. The evidence did not establish that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by military service.,Service connection was denied as the preponderance of the evidence showed that the Veteran's current diagnoses were not related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, lumbosacral strain, ischemic heart disease, and various gunshot wound residuals, have resulted in loss of use of the lower extremities. The Board has granted specially adapted housing for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations of lumbar scars, radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities, and lumbar degenerative disc disease have been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeals for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and sleep apnea have also been dismissed.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including evaluations for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities, degenerative disc disease, calcaneal spur of the right heel, and left hip. The Veteran will need additional examinations and opinions regarding these conditions.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection and evaluation of the Veteran's neck disability, bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy, and healed fracture of left lateral malleolus with osteoarthritis as there was no substantive appeal filed.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to conflicting opinions and need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered her unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment since November 27, 2013. The Board granted TDIU for this period.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity with severe incomplete paralysis of the posterior tibial nerve is granted an initial rating of 20 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to issues related to the Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc and joint disease, including assessing functional impairment during flare-ups. The issue of an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for right lower extremity radiculopathy prior to November 2, 2015 is not revisited.