Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The appeals for the veteran's claims of service connection for degenerative disc disease, emphysema, COPD, ruptured spleen, and sciatica have been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has determined that effective dates prior to February 16, 2016 for the grants of service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right upper extremity radiculopathy are not warranted.,The preponderance of the medical evidence indicates that the Veteran did not have objective neurologic symptoms in his right upper and bilateral lower extremities prior to February 16, 2016.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 20 percent, effective September 4, 2018. Separate ratings of 10% each are granted for right and left lumbar radiculopathy of the lower extremities, also effective August 9, 2007. The TDIU claim was denied.

The Veteran's lumbar radiculopathy was granted a separate rating of 10 percent from January 5, 2009 to December 2, 2011. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent from December 3, 2011 to October 16, 2016 was denied.

The Veteran's low back disc herniation is now rated at 40%, effective from the date of this decision. The right lower extremity radiculopathy remains at a 40% rating.

The Board previously granted SMC at the housebound rate from April 22, 2008 onward. However, due to a previous administrative decision discontinuing TDIU benefits, the RO did not implement this grant of SMC. The case is being remanded for further action.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not cause the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or render him housebound, leading to a denial of special monthly compensation (SMC) based upon the need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has determined that additional examinations are needed to assess the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities due to incomplete testing in previous VA examinations. The effective dates for service connection of radiculopathy affecting the left and right lower extremities have also been remanded.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was granted a 40% rating effective December 23, 2010. The right hip disability and radiculopathy were also granted ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine DDD and associated left leg radiculopathy are being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current level of severity.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes, and hearing loss, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from October 15, 2012 to December 15, 2017.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for an additional back disability caused by the laminectomy surgery conducted in April 1984 is denied, and his service connection claim for sciatica claimed as secondary to lumbar spine disability is also denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical degenerative disc disease, cervical radiculitis with right ulnar neuropathy, and pes planus (fallen arches). The issues have been remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD, right shoulder disability, and cervical spine disability are rated appropriately. The case is being returned for further evaluation on the issues of service connection for hip disabilities, sacroiliac dysfunction, sleep disorder, and headaches.

The Veteran's left upper extremity radiculopathy was restored to a 10 percent evaluation for the period from December 3, 2014, to March 25, 2016. The issues of increased evaluations prior to and after this date remain in appellate status.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and sciatic nerve peripheral neuropathy were denied increased ratings. The diabetes was rated at 40 percent prior to April 27, 2015, and 20 percent thereafter. The left and right lower extremity sciatic nerve peripheral neuropathy were both rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for various conditions related to his diabetes and coronary artery disease was partially granted, with some issues receiving a separate rating.

Service connection is granted for bilateral knee arthritis, low back disorder, left lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy, right lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy, cervical spine degenerative disc and joint disease, cervical radiculopathy (right upper and left upper extremities), acquired psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder), and erectile dysfunction as secondary to service-connected right knee disabilities.,Service connection is granted for osteoporosis, deviated nasal septum, rhinitis, traumatic brain injury (TBI), left lower extremity patellar dysfunction, right tibia-fibula fracture residuals, right foot pes cavus deformity, right iliac crest, right lateral lower knee, and right medial knee scar, total disability rating for compensation based on individual unemployability (TDIU), and service connection is remanded for these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for left heel/foot disability, osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine, and radiculopathy in both lower extremities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, associated with thoracic scoliosis and chronic lumbar strain was granted effective May 28, 2014. The initial rating for back condition remains remanded.