Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for right and left upper extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records from Tri-Care West.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for higher evaluations of his service-connected low back condition and right radiculopathy, leading to their dismissal.

The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is granted a 20% rating, effective from April 17, 2017. The Veteran's back disability and neck disability are denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and right leg sciatica, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine and right lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records from private doctors he identified.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for increased ratings of recurrent sacroiliac strain and right lower extremity sciatica, finding that no formal or informal claim was filed prior to July 31, 2013.

The Board dismissed all claims due to the lack of an adequate substantive appeal for each issue.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his back and nerve disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development due to concerns about potential negligence in the Veteran's VA spine surgeries, specifically regarding screw placement and post-operative complications.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The cervical spine disability was rated at 20%, the right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy at 20%, and the left arm radiculopathy at 20%. A TDIU effective from October 11, 2011, was granted.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's cervical spine disability and bilateral upper extremity cervical radiculopathy (claimed as hand condition secondary to neck and back) claims need further examination and opinion due to insufficient information.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right shoulder arthritis and impingement syndrome, left shoulder glenohumeral arthritis, lower back degenerative joint disease, and anxiety disorder, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's low back disorder, including an initial rating and TDIU. The case is also remanded for further development regarding SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a low back disability, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and TDIU due to duty-to-assist errors and insufficient evidence in the record.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar degenerative disc disease and right sciatic radulopathy are being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, which has been granted for special monthly compensation.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of cervical radiculopathy due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The Board granted a 50% rating for sleep apnea, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings have been dismissed as he has requested to withdraw his appeal.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability, PTSD, and radiculopathy of the lower extremities due to insufficient evidence in previous examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to incomplete development of records, including from private sources. The VA must obtain additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of all current left wrist and elbow disorders, as well as neurological disorders of the left upper extremity.