Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to increased ratings for status post right hip strain and TDIU, as well as the issue of effective dates. The Veteran's service-connected conditions have been evaluated based on their current manifestations.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various conditions, including myxoid liposarcoma and lymphedema. The issues were not addressed based on a presumption due to exposure to ionizing radiation or other specific service environment.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 40 percent, but the Board has found that a higher rating is not warranted due to lack of unfavorable ankylosis.,The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities are both currently rated at 20 percent. The Board has determined that these ratings are also not appropriate given the current evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment prior to October 6, 2014.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than February 25, 2015 for service connection of radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities have been granted.,The Veteran's claims for initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities prior to May 20, 2019 have been denied.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings in excess of 20 percent for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities from May 20, 2019 and thereafter have been denied.

The Veteran's left sciatic nerve compression with left leg radiculopathy and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and low back strain have been rated, but a higher rating is not granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including sleep apnea, PTSD, degenerative joint disease and spinal stenosis of the lumbar spine, sacroiliac radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities, prevent him from obtaining and maintaining a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent, and his radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities are each rated at 10 percent. The Board has remanded these issues for further development.

The Board has determined that additional examinations are needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions and whether they are related to service. The issues include left rotator cuff tear with traumatic arthritis, bone spur on rotator cuff, and nerve impingement syndrome; cervical spine injury; degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine; residuals of a left hip dislocation; and radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities.

The Board has granted service connection for low back disorder, diagnosed as spondylolisthesis, spondylosis, disc disease, and diffuse degenerative joint disease. The right lower extremity radiculopathy is also considered service-connected.,Service connection was denied for bilateral flat feet due to lack of aggravation during military service.

The Veteran is granted a separate 10 percent rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy from May 25, 2007. The issue of service connection for headaches secondary to low back disorder was reasonably raised by the record and referred to the AOJ.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected old fracture deformity of the pubic symphysis and associated radiculopathy have been granted ratings, with additional separate ratings for right hip painful motion.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim for the period from June 17, 2008 to June 15, 2009 due to the finality of the previous decision and the need for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran seeks SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person due to his service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran also seeks increased ratings for asthma, lumbar degenerative disc disease, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and TDIU prior to March 31, 2015.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine spondylosis and bilateral upper extremity cervical radiculopathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected cervical spine spondylosis. Service connection was denied for a thoracolumbar spine disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder and recurrent low back strain with degenerative changes, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. A total disability rating due to individual unemployability is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for a right hip disability, status post hip replacement. The claims of bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to back pain (originally claimed as neuropathy due to diabetes mellitus type II), bilateral ankle condition, bilateral foot condition, and hiatal hernia are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection and increased ratings in all remaining claims, including bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, GERD, and a hernia repair scar. The Board has dismissed the appeal as per the Veteran's wishes.