Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Board denied a rating in excess of 40 percent for the Veteran's lumbar degenerative disc disease with bulging intervertebral disc, finding that the disability did not more nearly approximate unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome.

The Veteran's bilateral hip disability and other service-connected conditions have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since December 4, 2008. His TDIU claim is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various back, foot, and spine conditions due to incomplete records and the need for further development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and initial increased ratings for his lumbar spine disability and associated radiculopathy of the right lower extremity. The claims are being remanded to obtain updated medical evidence and a new examination.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee, lumbar spine, and right lower extremity disabilities are being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's spondylolisthesis is rated at 40 percent, but no higher, due to limited forward flexion and functional loss.,The Veteran's sciatic nerve radiculopathy of the left lower extremity does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 60 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability and bilateral radiculopathy of the upper extremities, finding that the evidence supports a link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded as the necessary examinations have not been conducted and he has not completed a VA Form 21-8940.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate December 2017 VA examination and opinion regarding loss of use of both feet. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are being evaluated for their impact on her ability to use adaptive equipment or a vehicle.

The Veteran's intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) is now rated at 40 percent effective May 8, 2017. He also received initial ratings of 10 percent for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities effective December 14, 2015.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for tinnitus has been denied as the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent is already assigned.,The Board has remanded several issues including service connection and ratings for various disabilities due to a duty to assist error prior to the May 2018 RAMP opt-in.,Issues include left eye occipital neuralgia, lower extremity sciatica, upper extremity radiculopathy, herpes simplex virus, adjustment disorder with anxiety/depression, migraine headaches, sleep apnea, stroke/vertebral artery dissection, thoracolumbar strain, cervical strain, and scars from hernia repair.,The Veteran's service connection claims for lower and upper extremity sciatica and radiculopathy are remanded due to a duty to assist error prior to the May 2018 RAMP opt-in. VA treatment records need to be obtained from non-VA providers.

The Veteran's right and left lower extremity radiculopathies, as well as his right hand and left hand disabilities, are all found to be secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. The Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and treatment.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated as 40 percent disabling, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,Right lower extremity radiculopathy has been granted an initial 20 percent rating effective May 7, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for a cervical spine condition was reopened and denied due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service.,A rating above 10 percent is granted for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (sciatic nerve) since October 24, 2016. The right ankle scar remains at 10 percent.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating from October 24, 2015 to October 23, 2016 and above 10 percent since that date is remanded due to the need for further development.

The Veteran's allergic reactions and bilateral feet condition are not service-connected.,The Veteran's sinusitis is not service-connected.,For the entire appeal period, the Veteran’s lumbar spine disability is manifested by at worst forward flexion to 50 degrees. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.,For the entire appeal period, the Veteran’s left lower extremity radiculopathy is manifested by at worst moderately severe incomplete paralysis. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.,For the entire appeal period, the Veteran’s right lower extremity radiculopathy is manifested by at worst moderate incomplete paralysis. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.,For the entire appeal period, the Veteran’s left knee condition is manifested by at worst frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.,For the entire appeal period, the Veteran’s right knee traumatic arthritis is manifested by at worst painful motion. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.,For the entire appeal period, the Veteran’s PTSD is manifested by at worst flattened affect, disturbances of motivation and mood, sleep impairment, depression, anxiety, and difficulty establishing and maintaining work and social relationships. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.,For the entire appeal period, the Veteran’s left wrist disability is manifested by at worst painful motion. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, and he has other service-connected disabilities that meet the threshold for a TDIU. The appeal is granted as to both issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine disability and related lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as a claim for a compensable rating for left foot strain. The AOJ is instructed to schedule VA examinations and complete an SSOC addressing these issues.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities have been denied as there is no evidence that warrants a higher rating based on current symptomatology.

The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to an increased evaluation for a lumbar spine disability, service connection for GERD as secondary to a lumbar spine disability, and TDIU due to unresolved issues related to the Veteran's medications and onset of his GERD symptoms.