Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for a left arm disability, including shoulder and elbow disabilities. The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right upper extremity is already service-connected. The Board granted SMC based on need for aid and attendance and/or housebound status due to the Veteran's service-connected conditions. TDIU was granted effective November 2, 2012.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD was denied, as the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability was denied, as the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain or retain substantially gainful employment from December 7, 2015. The Board finds that the Veteran is entitled to TDIU from this date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and rating for various conditions are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a low back condition, and a left leg disability (sciatica). The claims are being remanded to allow for further examination and opinion regarding these conditions.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as service-connected, and he is awarded a separate 20 percent rating for his right lower extremity sciatica associated with lumbosacral strain. The Veteran's lumbosacral strain remains at a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied in November 2010, and the effective date of the subsequent grants was set at June 11, 2018.

The Veteran's appeal regarding his lumbar spine DDD is being remanded for additional examination and analysis. The Board finds that a VA examination should be conducted to determine if the Veteran’s lumbar spine DDD was caused or aggravated by his service-connected left shoulder disability.

The Veteran's back and neck disabilities were denied increased ratings.,His right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy was also denied an increased rating, but he received a compensable initial disability rating for his right upper and left upper extremity radiculopathies.

The Board denied service connection for chest pains, dermatitis, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and asthma. The Veteran's claims were not addressed under the presumption of service connection for undiagnosed illnesses due to his service in the Gulf War.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues are related to a back disorder and a neurologic disorder of the bilateral lower extremities, including peripheral neuropathy and radiculopathy.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for osteoarthritis of the right hip has been denied as there is no evidence of limitation of motion or other compensable symptoms.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for limitation and impairment of the right hip has also been denied due to lack of additional functional loss beyond what is already reflected in the 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, along with associated radiculopathy in both lower extremities and left ankle disability, are all rated at 40 percent disabling for the entire period on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected back disability and radiculopathy have been rated at 20 percent, with a TDIU granted. The rating for the back disability is maintained as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or severe lumbosacral strain.

The Board has determined that the remand of issues related to the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and radiculopathy is necessary due to the potential impact on a TDIU claim. The Veteran’s work history needs to be clarified, as it is unclear when he stopped working.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted his claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for cervical spine disability is denied. A separate 20 percent rating for right upper extremity radiculopathy is granted from August 8, 2007. The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to June 16, 2011 is also denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for radiculopathy of the bilateral upper extremities was granted with an effective date set at May 19, 2010.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine disorder, right upper extremity cervical radiculopathy, and left upper extremity cervical radiculopathy as the evidence did not show a relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding service connection for left heel spur, and secondary service connection for left heel spur due to gout of the bilateral feet and sciatica of the lower left extremity.