Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's right C8 radiculopathy is rated at 40 percent effective September 15, 2017. His SFW in the right upper trapezius muscle and left thoracic area of mid-back are both rated at noncompensable (0%) under Diagnostic Codes 5301 and 5302 respectively.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 30 percent, but no higher. The Board found that the evidence was evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran’s migraines more nearly approximated the criteria for a 30 percent rating.,Service connection for radiculopathy of the upper left extremity is denied because there is no causal relationship between the Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability and his radiculopathy. The Board found that the VA examiner did not adequately address the Veteran’s contentions regarding medication causing his sleep apnea.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is remanded to obtain an adequate medical opinion addressing whether his sleep apnea is proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is granted as secondary to his service-connected status-post laminectomy of L5/S1. The issue of a higher rating for the status-post laminectomy and TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected left ankle sprain and radiculopathy have been denied as the evidence does not support a higher evaluation at any point during the appeal period.

The Veteran's PTSD and radiculopathy of the lower extremities are being remanded for further evaluation due to new evidence.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD have been granted. The cervical spine disability and bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy claims are remanded due to the need for further examination. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's increased rating claims for cervical degenerative disc disease with arthritis, tinnitus, and left upper extremity radiculopathy were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including multiple gunshot wounds and resulting injuries, have rendered him unable to work due to severe physical limitations. The Board has granted his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted secondary to service-connected conditions. The cervical spine condition is granted a 20% rating from March 25, 2019 onwards and the radiculopathy of the right upper extremity was granted a 20% rating from May 22, 2012 through February 26, 2018. The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right upper extremity is denied in excess of 40% after February 27, 2018.

The Board has determined that new VA examinations are needed due to the Veteran's testimony of worsening symptoms and treatment records indicating ongoing issues. The cases will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate VA examinations and lack of medical opinion on secondary service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and need for further examination. The Veteran's service connection claim for spondylolisthesis with radiculopathy, lumbar spine is being reviewed.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence, including VA treatment records from March 2018 and thereafter. The AOJ must review this evidence before readjudicating his claims for specially adapted housing and special home adaptation grants.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection, higher ratings, and TDIU due to inaccuracies in the medical records provided by the Veteran. The claims will be reconsidered with new evidence.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of residual surgical scars of the right anterior neck and right hip have been dismissed as they were previously adjudicated by the Board.,The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for a disability of the right upper extremity has been granted, but the issues are remanded due to lack of proper venue.

The Board has remanded several claims for further development, including service connection and increased rating claims. The Veteran's appeal is not about service connection at all.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The lumbar spine, left shoulder DJD, right shoulder DJD, and GERD conditions are not rated higher than the current levels due to lack of evidence supporting more severe disability. Service connection for radiculopathy was also denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities, finding that these conditions are secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine condition.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities.