Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, chronic low back pain, and lumbar radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, precluded him from securing and following substantially gainful employment. The Board granted a TDIU from September 25, 2009, to March 31, 2011.

The Board has determined that updated VA examinations are needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, low back scar, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and radiculopathy in each lower extremity are being remanded due to the need for new VA examinations to assess current severity.

The Board has denied compensation for additional neck disability due to VA treatment or medical care. The Veteran's claim is being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding service connection, aggravation of existing conditions, and TDIU.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including increased ratings for low back strain and right hip strain, a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction, and initial ratings for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran also raised a claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and his left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy is rated at 40 percent. The right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy remains rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for an increased level of SMC based on need for higher level of aid and attendance.

The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative disc disease, disc herniation, and spondylosis are not rated higher than 20 percent.,The Veteran's left upper extremity radiculopathy is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board finds the evidence does not support a rating in excess of 10 percent.,The Veteran's right upper extremity radiculopathy is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board finds the evidence does not support a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine, coronary artery disease, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. As a result, TDIU is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to incomplete examinations, lack of retrospective opinions, and other procedural issues. The Veteran will need to undergo additional VA examinations and provide updated treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for vertigo, Meniere’s disease, traumatic brain injury (shrapnel in brain, right side), and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with right lower extremity radiculopathy should be remanded due to incomplete development. Specifically, there is a need to obtain VA treatment records from 2016 onwards, as well as VA treatment records from the early 1970s at a VA medical facility in New York City. Additionally, an examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's lumbar spine condition is related to service, and a copy of the Statement of the Case (SOC) issued in December 2016 should be obtained.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine, left arm, and left shoulder disorders due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology and relationship to service.

The Board has remanded three issues related to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine, left and right lower extremity conditions. The Veteran will need to provide any missing records from Bagram Hospital in Afghanistan, Kandahar TMC, and Dr. Parker.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for TDIU and DEA benefits, finding that entitlement did not arise prior to March 27, 1990.

The Board has granted service connection for radiculopathy of the left upper extremity secondary to a service-connected cervical spine disability. However, the claim for a neurological disorder of the left upper extremity (numbing of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th fingers) is remanded as it is unclear whether this represents a separate condition or if it is related to the radiculopathy.

The claim of service connection for the cause of death is dismissed, and the claim of DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is denied.

The application to reopen the claim of recurrent low back strain was granted, but service connection for this condition is denied.,Service connection for bilateral hallux valgus and onychomycosis were both denied.

The Board has denied earlier effective dates for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as there was no communication prior to September 11, 2008 that could be construed as a claim.,Service connection for left upper extremity radiculopathy is granted secondary to the service-connected cervical spine disorder. Service connection for seizure disorder is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his low back condition and bilateral radiculopathy of the lower extremities, as well as his claim for a TDIU. Additional development is required to consider these issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for additional examinations. The appeals are inextricably intertwined with his TDIU claim.