Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 50% rating effective October 29, 2012. The remaining issues on appeal are remanded for further review.

The Board has determined that the reduction in ratings for radiculopathy of the bilateral upper extremities was proper, and denied increased ratings for the right and left upper extremities.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder and left leg numbness/radiculopathy, finding that the conditions were not related to military service or service-connected knee arthritis.

The Board dismissed all appeals related to prostate cancer, right index finger deformity with ankylosis prior to February 23, 2015, painful scar residual of a chin laceration, disfiguring scar residuals of a chin laceration, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, and degenerative disc disease and spondylosis of the lumbar spine. The Veteran's combined rating for these service-connected disabilities is 80 percent.

The Veteran's disability ratings for headaches and radiculopathy of the left upper extremity were restored to their previous levels, effective February 2, 2012.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disorder, increased ratings for lumbar spondylosis and associated radiculopathy, an effective date earlier than September 14, 2010 for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities, and initial compensable ratings for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's claims for tinnitus and pseudofolliculitis barbae were also denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence, including military hospital records and post-service Army medical records.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection as it arose during active service. The appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for cervical spine degenerative disc disease is dismissed.,Issues related to TBI residuals and bilateral vision disability, sleep disorder (obstructive sleep apnea), left upper extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and increased ratings for depressive disorder and PTSD are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, prostate cancer residuals with prostatectomy residuals, ventral hernia repair residuals, diabetes mellitus, and multiple radiculopathies, make him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted the TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities were severe enough to render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from June 30, 2009. The Board granted the TDIU effective from June 30, 2009.

The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed low back disorder, bilateral lower extremity sciatica, and their relationship to service.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, tension headaches as secondary to a neck disorder, and cervical radiculopathy in both upper extremities as secondary to a neck disorder. The decision is based on direct service connection due to an injury sustained during active service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current back disability is related to symptoms reported after service.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as she requested to withdraw her appeal including the issues of earlier effective dates for the grant of service connection and higher initial ratings for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy is granted as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. His rating for the lumbar spine disability remains at 20 percent, and he does not meet criteria for higher ratings or SMC based on erectile dysfunction.

The Board has determined that there is insufficient evidence to decide whether the Veteran qualifies for vocational rehabilitation services due to his service-connected disabilities and work history. The case is being remanded for further evaluation by a VRC or CP.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened due to new and material evidence. The appeals are granted in part, with some issues being granted and others not.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral pes planus and radiculopathy of the left upper extremity, as they are related to a service-connected right shoulder disorder.

The Board has remanded the claims for left lower extremity radiculopathy, low back disability, and right lower extremity radiculopathy associated with the service-connected low back disability due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also remanded.