Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, and evaluations in excess of 10 percent for low back strain and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity have all been denied.,Service connection was not granted because there is no evidence of current tinnitus. The claim for increased ratings were also denied as the Veteran's disabilities did not meet the criteria for higher evaluations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of evidence showing a current diagnosis and no medical nexus between his in-service injuries and his claimed conditions. The GERD claim is remanded for further examination, while erectile dysfunction secondary to service-connected adjustment disorder remains denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical arthritis and cervical radiculopathy were denied as new evidence did not establish an in-service occurrence or a nexus to service, and the current conditions are not related to service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection and increased disability ratings, effectively dismissing the cases.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings, service connection, and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of his military exposure history.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 20 percent for left lower extremity sciatica prior to January 5, 2015. The issue of entitlement to increased ratings for the Veteran's spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board grants a TDIU.

The Veteran's service connection for right lower leg radiculopathy is granted as secondary to his service-connected back disability. The extension of the temporary total evaluation beyond May 1, 2017 for the Veteran’s degenerative arthritis, lumbar spine with spinal stenosis status post decompressive laminectomy and medial facetectomy is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further proceedings, including obtaining new examinations to assess the current severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine myositis and associated neurologic complications, as well as determining whether he requires aid and attendance or suffers from loss of use of a creative organ.

The Board has remanded both claims for additional development due to inadequate previous examinations and the need for updated treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an effective date earlier than September 2, 2015 for TDIU and basic eligibility for education benefits under Chapter 35 (DEA). The cases are being referred to the Director of Compensation Service for consideration of whether TDIU is warranted on an extraschedular basis. Additional development may be needed based on new evidence.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left upper extremity is granted as secondary to his service-connected cervical strain. His cervical and lumbar strains are each rated at 10 percent prior to July 1, 2016.

The Veteran's initial evaluations for nummular eczema and left lower extremity radiculopathy were denied. The Veteran was granted a higher evaluation of 20 percent for his left lower extremity radiculopathy beginning on November 14, 2016.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for various service-connected disabilities, including back disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right knee patellar chondromalacia, and erectile dysfunction. The claims are being returned to the AOJ for further evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 40 percent from December 7, 2015. A 20 percent rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy is granted from June 1, 2015.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) and spinal stenosis, have rendered him unable to meet most of his daily personal needs without regular aid and attendance from another individual. The Board granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance due to the Veteran's physical limitations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc disease with degenerative joint disease, spinal stenosis, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, osteoarthritis of the hips and knees, and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, type II, bilateral upper and lower extremity neuropathy and radiculopathy due to lack of evidence showing onset during or within one year after active duty service.,Service connection was not granted as the Veteran's conditions are considered chronic diseases under 38 C.F.R. § 3.309(a), but there is no evidence of their manifestation within a year of separation from service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right lower leg radiculopathy and numbness, left lower leg radiculopathy and numbness, as well as his claim for a TDIU are all denied. The reduction of the rating for lumbar spine disability from 40% to 20% is restored.