Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

Service connection for radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities is granted. Service connection for a neurological disorder of the bilateral upper extremities is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left sciatic nerves prior to March 29, 2017, are denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral nuclear sclerotic cataracts and bilateral primary open angle glaucoma, both secondary to diabetes, are remanded.

The Veteran's increased ratings for lumbar disc disease and right S1 radiculopathy are granted, but the issue of entitlement to TDIU is remanded.

The Veteran's initial disability evaluation for right lower extremity radiculopathy is granted at a 20 percent rating. The case is remanded for further evaluations of his lumbar spine disability and TDIU claim.

The Veteran's lumbar spondylosis is rated at 40 percent disabling, effective December 10, 2018. The rating for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy remains denied, as does the rating for partial paralysis of both femoral nerves.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of TBI has been dismissed. The Board has also remanded the issues regarding service connection for a cervical spine injury and radiculopathy of the upper extremities, as these claims require further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine was granted with an effective date of January 2, 2008. The claim for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy was denied as it did not arise until August 2013.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claims of left total knee arthroplasty, low back pain status post L5 laminectomy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy. The claim for left lower extremity radiculopathy is also remanded. The rating for service-connected total right knee replacement remains remanded.

The Board has decided to remand several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including increased ratings and earlier effective dates. The main reasons for this are incomplete development of records from prior periods of active service and additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of January 27, 2011, and an effective date for the TDIU award was granted.

The Veteran's initial rating for his back disability was denied, with a current rating of 40 percent effective September 23, 2014. The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 20 percent prior to September 23, 2014 and 40 percent thereafter.,The Veteran was denied TDIU due to lack of disagreement with the effective date assigned.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy began during his active service and is related to his lumbar spine disability. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board has granted a higher initial rating of 20 percent, finding that the disability is moderate throughout the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and failure to consider the Veteran's contentions regarding his back injuries during service.

The Veteran withdrew their appeals for the initial ratings of lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and left peroneal palsy and L5 radiculopathy, resulting in the dismissal of these claims.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any radiculopathy of the upper extremities and acquired psychiatric disorder, as well as the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected lumbar radiculopathy. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, radiculopathy of left and right lower extremities, and remanded other issues including hearing loss, erectile dysfunction, and depression.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including arthritis of the bilateral sacroiliac joint and right lower extremity radiculopathy, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's application to reopen her claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied. Her initial rating for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor and Hypertrophic Gastritis, as well as her ratings for lumbar strain with degenerative arthritis at T12-L1 and left leg radiculopathy were all granted. The Veteran's PTSD and adjustment disorder with depressed and anxious mood received a 70 percent rating, but no higher.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's benign schwannoma tumor and his service in Vietnam, specifically exposure to herbicide agents.