Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's lumbar and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy have been rated at 10 percent, but the Board has determined that further development is needed to determine if higher ratings are warranted.

An increased rating of 60 percent for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) is granted from September 28, 1999 to September 22, 2009.,From September 23, 2009, an initial increased rating of 40 percent for the Veteran’s low back disability is granted. The rating remains at 40 percent after February 1, 2013.,An initial increased rating of 40 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve neuropathy) is granted from September 23, 2009.,An initial increased rating of 40 percent for right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve neuropathy) is granted from September 23, 2009.,Prior to February 12, 2008, the Veteran’s left knee disability was rated at 20 percent under DC 5258 for dislocated semilunar cartilage. From February 12, 2008, an increased rating of 10 percent is granted under DC 5259 for symptomatic meniscus removal residuals.,From September 28, 1999 to present, the Veteran’s left knee instability is rated at 20 percent under DC 5257.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity and degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine are being remanded due to additional evidence received since the last Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's appeal for increased disability rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy and service connection for lumbar strain with degenerative arthritis and TDIU was dismissed. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increase in disability rating prior to May 31, 2016 or after.

The Veteran's right knee arthritis and instability, low back strain with sciatic nerve involvement, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, and status post removal of scalp tumor are all granted. The rating for low back strain is increased to 40 percent.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for all issues as the remand directives in the August 2018 have not been complied with. The Veteran's claims are being returned to the AOJ for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease with herniated disc and left leg radiculopathy was denied in January 2011. The appeal is being remanded.,Service connection has been granted for tinnitus, but the issue of secondary service connection for erectile dysfunction (presumed to be secondary to PTSD) remains unresolved.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral hip disability was denied in June 2012, and no new and material evidence has been received since then. The claims for increased ratings of degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, radiculopathy of the lower extremities (right and left), and PTSD have all been granted. A TDIU is also granted.

The Board has denied service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy and remanded the issue of an initial compensable evaluation for left hip limitation of extension.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and right leg radiculopathy, finding that there was no evidence of a direct relationship between his current conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence received after May 2016. The claims will be reviewed again and a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC) must be issued.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, as well as secondary service connection for radiculopathy of both upper and lower extremities. The Veteran's radiculopathy is also found to be related to his already service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's initial evaluations for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity are both denied, as they do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under VA rating criteria.

The Board has remanded the case due to unresolved issues regarding service connection for PTSD, L5 bulging disc with arthritis, and left lower extremity radiculopathy. The effective dates for these conditions remain pending.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including consideration of a TDIU on an extraschedular basis. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities include low back strain and left lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy.

The Board has granted restoration of service connection for right and left sciatica (previously claimed as lumbar radiculopathy).,Severance of service connection was improper in both cases.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and rating increases are being remanded due to an error in the VA's duty to assist.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lower extremity radiculopathy and back pain, prevented him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation prior to June 15, 2016. The Board granted the effective date of January 13, 2012 for the TDIU.

The Veteran's appeals regarding the rating reduction for lumbar spine disability and increased ratings for radiculopathy in both lower extremities have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's case is being remanded for further consideration of multiple issues, including a TDIU claim and the rating of various disabilities.