Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that it does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating. The Veteran’s low back disability has been characterized by forward flexion limited to 35 degrees and radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities (sciatica).

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current back disorder with sciatica is related to her service. Additional VA treatment records and an addendum opinion are needed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for radiculopathy of the left upper extremity, cervical spine disorder, right shoulder disorder, and left shoulder disorder due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic headache disorder is granted. The claims for higher initial ratings for his lumbosacral spondylolisthesis with degenerative disc disease and right lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as the adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood are remanded for further development. The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his lumbar spine disability and associated left lower extremity radiculopathy is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to inadequate examinations, incomplete evidence, and inextricably intertwined issues. The Veteran is required to provide medical records and undergo new VA examinations.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims and rating determinations due to pending matters regarding his character of discharge from active duty.

The Board granted an initial rating of 20 percent for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease prior to June 16, 2018 and a rating of 40 percent beginning June 16, 2018. The TDIU claim was also granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his VA treatment records.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities was initially granted a 10 percent rating, but later reduced to 10 percent effective August 5, 2016. The Board finds that an updated VA examination is necessary due to allegations of worsening symptoms.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder is rated at 20 percent since April 1, 2013. The effective date for this rating is set as of April 1, 2013.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran had a low back disability prior to entering active service and whether any current low back disorder is related to his military service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted, and his right knee instability and medial meniscus tear claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity and left upper extremity disabilities are granted with effective dates of February 27, 2006 and April 1, 2012 respectively. The Veteran is also awarded a 20 percent disability rating for her left lower extremity disability as of September 8, 2016.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spondylosis, right upper extremity radiculopathy, and left upper extremity neuropathy disabilities are reasonably shown to prevent him from obtaining or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection of left arm radiculopathy, right arm radiculopathy, and headache disability should be remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's lumbar radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is rated at 20 percent, effective December 2, 2013.,The Veteran seeks an earlier effective date for TDIU on a schedular basis and on an extra-schedular basis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy require additional examination to determine the current severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, allergic rhinitis, and tension headaches have been granted. The Veteran's claim for a heart disorder has been denied. Other issues related to his service-connected conditions or disabilities are being remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of a left knee disability, including as due to service-connected residuals of a right tibia and fibula fracture with arthritic changes of the right knee; a left hip disability; and radiculopathy of bilateral lower extremities. The evidence does not support these claims.