Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease, low back and a compensable rating prior to April 26, 2017 for left lower extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran is required to provide updated medical records and undergo VA examination.

An effective date of February 16, 2010 is granted for the grant of TDIU.,An effective date of February 16, 2010 is granted for the grant of DEA benefits.,A disability rating in excess of 20 percent for chronic lumbosacral strain is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions. The issues include hypertension, sleep apnea, left leg sciatica, and a right leg disability.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative disc disease and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to service or any in-service injury. The Veteran's current diagnoses are not related to his active duty.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for lumbar spine disorder and associated neurological disabilities due to incomplete medical opinions and potential incurrent causes from post-military motor vehicle accidents.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his lumbar spine condition has been dismissed as he withdrew the appeal in September 2018.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates, as well as his TDIU claim, are being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability is granted at a 40 percent rating, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran’s hemorrhoid disability and low back disability are also granted with respective ratings. Other issues related to service connection or increased ratings have been remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left upper extremity, secondary to service-connected DDD of the cervical spine, is rated at 40 percent. The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (femoral nerve), also secondary to service-connected DDD of the lumbosacral spine, is rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy/sciatica prior to June 19, 2013, and in excess of 20 percent from June 19, 2013 to April 2, 2014 has been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sciatica associated with his service-connected low back disability, including lower extremity numbness is granted. The claim for service connection for foot flop is denied. The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for left shoulder disability is also denied.

The Veteran's low back disability and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity are currently rated at 40% and 20%, respectively. The Board denied higher ratings for both conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for PTSD, a rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbar spine disability, an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy, an extraschedular rating for migraine headaches, and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The remand also includes requests for additional VA treatment records and a PTSD examination.

The Board has remanded the claims due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's cervical strain and arthritis of the lumbar spine are not rated higher than 10 percent. GERD is rated at 10 percent, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is rated at 20 percent, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity is rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's bilateral ankle condition is being remanded for further evaluation as it may be related to his service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran's cardiovascular disease and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) are also being remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for right ear hearing loss is denied.,Service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and bilateral senile cataract (claimed as vision and eye disorder, residual from 2003 infection) are all denied.,Service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is denied. The Veteran's GERD is not shown to be related to service or a service-connected condition.,Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is denied. The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is not shown to be related to service or an undiagnosed illness.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar degenerative joint disease with radiculopathy to both lower extremities, finding that it is related to an in-service injury.

The Veteran's hiatal hernia, varicose veins from March 29, 2016, and lumbosacral strain with sciatic radulopathy are rated appropriately. A TDIU is granted for disabilities since March 29, 2016.