Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his low back disability was received on August 22, 2014. Service connection for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity as secondary to the service-connected low back disability was granted effective from that date.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbosacral spine disability and neurological disorder of the right lower extremity involving the sciatic nerve are being remanded due to incomplete development.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral upper extremity diabetic neuropathy and cervical radiculopathy, but denied service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Service connection is granted for lumbar DJD and DDD, right lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to DJD and DDD. The Board also found that the Veteran's heart disorder, prostate disorder, and hearing loss claims are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for separate compensable ratings for neurologic abnormalities other than radiculopathy (to include bowel or bladder problems) as there is no current diagnosis of such conditions.

The Board has denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, left lower extremity radiculopathy, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), erectile dysfunction (ED), and residuals of a chemical burn and abrasion. Service connection for headaches was not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc disease and radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities, prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation. The Board granted a TDIU based on this finding.

The Board has remanded two issues related to radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities due to a lack of STRs and an incomplete opinion regarding direct service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, which is sufficient to grant special monthly compensation (SMC) based upon the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current work environment may exacerbate his PTSD symptoms and make it unsuitable for him to continue in his current occupation. The Veteran also underwent a new VA examination which noted changes in his PTSD symptomatology, including increased irritability and anger outbursts. Therefore, the case is being remanded to allow for a vocational rehabilitation assessment that considers all of the evidence of record.

The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy is granted with a rating of 20 percent effective October 18, 2013. The issue of service connection for cervical neck strain has been reopened and granted.

The Board has dismissed the claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of retained shrapnel, left hand; service connection for rheumatoid arthritis; service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder (depression); service connection for left hand carpal tunnel syndrome; service connection for a respiratory disability; service connection for a skin disorder (dermatitis); and service connection for right ear hearing loss disability. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to Sjogren’s disease has been granted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for posttraumatic low back pain is denied.,The Veteran's claims for initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy are both denied.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depressive disorder, lumbosacral strain, postoperative residuals of a perirectal abscess excision, and right lower extremity radiculopathy, have rendered her unable to secure or follow any substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted TDIU based on the severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for VR&E benefits is remanded due to the need for a complete vocational rehabilitation file and additional evaluations. The Veteran also needs to provide evidence of unsuccessful attempts at employment in his chosen fields.

The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder tendonitis and cervical radiculopathy do not prevent him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service connection for hypertension, radiculopathy of the right upper extremity, and degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with herniated nucleus pulposus L4-L5, status-post spinal fusion is denied. The effective dates for TDIU and DEA are granted.

The Veteran's appeals for higher initial disability ratings for degenerative arthritis in the lumbar spine and radiculopathy in the left lower extremity have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine and lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to consider new evidence under the 'new and relevant' standard.