Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left leg radiculopathy is granted. The Board finds that the evidence supports a finding of current disability and links it to his service-connected low back disability, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's lumbar degenerative arthritis, intervertebral disc syndrome, and lumbar radiculopathy are granted service connection. Cold injury residuals are denied as there is no evidence of current disability related to the in-service cold injury.

The Veteran's claims for neurological disabilities of the left and right hands, as well as his elbows, are denied. The claim for thoracolumbar spine arthritis with scoliosis is also denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations due to insufficient evidence from previous examinations. The Veteran needs to undergo new VA examinations to determine the current severity of his service-connected lumbar radiculopathy, degenerative arthritis of the spine with intervertebral disc syndrome, and osteoarthritis, left hip.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is not rated compensable due to lack of penis deformity with loss of use.,Left knee disability and diarrhea/Irritable Bowel Syndrome need further examination for etiology.,Gulf War Syndrome claim reopened but no service connection granted as there is no evidence linking the symptoms to service or a known undiagnosed illness.,Right lower extremity sciatic nerve disability needs further examination.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease with L5-S1 herniation and left lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded as the Board finds a new examination is needed to evaluate his current severity of service-connected disabilities, specifically their impact on employment.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations. The issues of service connection and exposure basis have not been addressed.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for sciatic nerve entrapment of the left lower extremity associated with thoracolumbar degenerative joint disease was denied.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than May 6, 2013 for service connection for sciatic nerve entrapment of the left lower extremity was also denied.

Service connection for a lumbar spine herniated disc disability is granted. The appeal seeking service connection for left Achilles tendonitis is dismissed. From April 21, 2010, a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted. Issues related to increased ratings and secondary service connection are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment, and therefore his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left foot disorder, GERD, right lower extremity nerve disorder, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and an acquired psychiatric disorder as there is no evidence of a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied. The appeals for earlier effective dates were dismissed as a matter of law.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar radiculopathy of the lower extremities bilaterally, hip arthralgia bilaterally, cervical spine degenerative joint disease, torn meniscus of the knees bilaterally, cervical radiculopathy of the upper extremities bilaterally, and thoracolumbar spine degenerative joint disease were denied as they are not earlier than May 10, 2011.

The Veteran's request to reopen his previously denied claim for lumbar spine disorder was not successful. Service connection for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy was also denied.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right upper extremity disability (numbness and tingling in fingertips), and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to conflicting evidence regarding their diagnoses and a need for further examination.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disk disease and radiculopathy of both lower extremities. The remand is due to inadequate examination reports and possible worsening of symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions render him in need of regular aid and assistance, which is granted for SMC based on aid and attendance.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's right-hand disability, including arthritis and ankylosis. The case will be returned for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran currently has these conditions and their relationship to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine condition began during his active service and granted service connection for this disability.