Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as the assignment of increased disability ratings would violate the 'amputation rule' and other criteria. The lumbar spine disability was not manifested by forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, nor did it result in favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to September 11, 2013 did not meet the schedular criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability. The earlier effective date claim for basic eligibility for dependents' educational assistance benefits was denied as the Veteran did not meet the minimum threshold requirement of having a permanent, total service-connected disability prior to September 11, 2013.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (lumbar spine arthritis, bilateral knee arthritis, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy) result in permanent loss of use of both feet. The Board grants the Veteran's claims for automobile and adaptive equipment, specially adapted housing, and SMC.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions render him in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted for special monthly compensation.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals of his claims for service connection for bilateral hip disability and radiculopathy, bilateral lower extremities. The appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and PTSD, have prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his educational and vocational experience.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been found to meet the criteria for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance, as he requires regular assistance due to his cognitive impairments and physical limitations. The Board has also determined that SMC T is not warranted given the Veteran's condition does not require higher level care.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity was granted with a 10 percent rating effective June 27, 2011. The Board found that reasonable doubt should be resolved in favor of the Veteran and granted an initial 10 percent rating for this condition. However, the lumbar spine issues were remanded due to insufficient medical examination records.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for sleep apnea, seizure disorder, and TDIU have been dismissed. The appeal regarding the extension of a temporary total disability rating based on convalescence has also been dismissed. The remaining issues are remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's appeals include requests for a compensable rating, effective date determination, increased ratings, and TDIU for his service-connected right ankle conditions. The propriety of the reduction in rating for his right ankle sprain is also being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, which was granted for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has denied service connection for a back disorder, neck disorder, and bilateral leg disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in equipoise regarding whether the Veteran's cervical spine disability and left upper extremity radiculopathy are related to service, thus granting both claims.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for lumbar spine disability, right and left sciatic nerve disabilities due to secondary service-connected cervical spine disability. Additional medical guidance is needed to address the Veteran's reports of continuous symptomatology since service or causation.

The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 40 percent prior to May 15, 2017, and a higher rating is denied since that date.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities include lumbar spine disorder, bilateral hearing loss, PTSD with depression, right foot fractures, and recurrent blepharitis. The Board has found that the criteria for SMC at the housebound rate are met.,The Veteran does not meet the eligibility criteria for a special home adaptation grant due to lack of permanent total disability involving both hands or blindness in both eyes.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent, effective from October 27, 2017. The Board has remanded several issues for additional development and clarification of the record.

The Veteran's appeals for an increased disability rating and restoration of a previous rating are dismissed due to his death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, secondary to his lumbar spine condition due to insufficient evidence in the November 2017 VA examination.

The Veteran was granted a 20 percent disability rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy and myopathy effective April 26, 2017.,An earlier effective date of May 19, 2011 is granted for the grant of a 20 percent disability rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy with myopathy. The effective date for the 40 percent disability rating for discogenic disc disease of the lumbar spine remains April 26, 2017.