Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea has been granted, and he is now entitled to VA benefits starting from the date of his original claim in July 15, 2014.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for lumbar strain service connection remains pending as there was no prior formal or informal claim filed before July 15, 2014.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity was denied. The appeals for service connection for a left shoulder disability and temporary total evaluation under 38 C.F.R. § 4.30 for convalescence following left shoulder rotator cuff repair surgery were dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of TBI is dismissed. The claims for service connection and evaluations for lower extremity neuropathy/radiculopathy, as well as the TDIU claim are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for depressive disorder as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, and has assigned a 20% rating effective July 6, 2018 for his lumbar spine disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has remanded the case for further evaluation of the Veteran's service-connected left lower extremity radiculopathy and tension headaches, as well as to determine an appropriate effective date for a separate rating.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates as there is no justiciable case or controversy regarding these matters.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the Veteran’s 40 percent rating for a lumbar spine disability from April 11, 2016, to October 10, 2018, was improper and the 40 percent rating should be restored. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and issue a supplemental statement of the case.

The Veteran's claims for increase ratings in Meniere’s syndrome and depressive disorder have been withdrawn.,The issues of service connection for colitis, TDIU from December 1, 2012 to August 4, 2016, and the remaining appeal are remanded.

The Veteran's application to reopen the previously denied claims for service connection for lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease and radiculopathy, as well as tinnitus, was granted.,The claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD remains pending.

The Veteran's symptomatic lower back with osteoarthritis is rated at 40 percent from October 27, 2010. Separate ratings of 10 percent are granted for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy since September 15, 2016. A TDIU is granted from September 19, 2016.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher evaluations due to new evidence indicating worsening of his conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected low back strain with DJD was denied, as the evidence did not show symptoms or functional impairment that resulted in unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for sciatic radiculopathy affecting both lower extremities were also denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for an effective date earlier than March 7, 2012 for service connection of left and right lower extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and left knee disabilities are also being remanded due to inadequate examination reports.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings of his right knee and right sciatica conditions before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions, including bilateral shoulder disorder, bilateral hip disorder, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, and bilateral foot disorder (claimed as pes planus), due to lack of current diagnoses or evidence of such conditions during the appeal period.

The Veteran’s appeal is remanded due to the need for further examination and evaluation of his service-connected conditions, as well as additional evidence regarding his claims. The appeals are not related to a presumption or exposure basis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right lower extremity neuropathy and radiculopathy for sciatic nerve were denied as there was no evidence of a current disability or in-service injury that could be linked to the conditions.

The Board dismissed the claims for service connection of ankylosing spondylitis, bilateral hip degenerative joint disease, a bilateral eye disability, psoriasis, a cervical spine disability, and bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy as these issues have been rendered moot due to their resolution in favor of the Veteran. The claim for service connection of degenerative joint disease of the right foot was granted on a secondary basis.

The Board has granted service connection for low back disorders, sciatica of the bilateral lower extremities, insomnia (claimed as a sleep disorder), and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The conditions are found to be related to service or secondary to other service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the threshold schedular TDIU criteria and have resolved all doubt in favor of the claim, granting a TDIU.