Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's LLE radiculopathy and PTSD have been granted effective as of May 24, 2012. Effective January 16, 2013, the Veteran has also received a TDIU and DEA benefits.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and cervical spine degenerative disc disease, rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment as of October 3, 2012. The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from that date.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and service connection, as well as her requests for higher ratings. The case is remanded for further action on some of the issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of bilateral diabetic peripheral neuropathy affecting the sciatic nerve is service-connected as a direct result of his pre-existing diabetes mellitus type II.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed residuals of L1 compression fracture with radiculopathy is at least as likely as not incurred during his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased evaluation of scoliosis and lumbar stenosis, as well as earlier effective date for service connection. The Board dismissed these issues due to the withdrawal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted for special monthly compensation.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is service-connected due to in-service noise exposure. Service connection for PTSD and depression is granted, with the stressor of military sexual trauma (MST) being accepted based on corroborating evidence from other sources. The Veteran's traumatic arthritis of the spine is granted at a 20 percent rating effective May 14, 2014.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted prior to August 30, 2010, due to his service-connected disabilities. From that date onwards, the SMC award mooted any further TDIU claims.

The Board has remanded three issues related to the Veteran's service-connected low back strain with disc bulge, sciatica of left lower extremity, and sciatica of right lower extremity due to inadequate examination and need for updated treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy, an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include depression and anxiety), and a cervical spine disorder with radiculopathy. The effective dates are to be determined based on the date of claim.

The Veteran's immediate cause of death was hypertensive and atherosclerotic heart disease. The Board found that the service-connected conditions did not contribute to his death, and there were no pending claims for accrued benefits at the time of his death.

The Veteran's herniated disc of L4-L5 and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity have been rated at 20 percent since February 22, 2010. The rating has been increased to 40 percent from May 26, 2012.

The Board has remanded two issues related to degenerative disc disease and intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine, including left lower extremity radiculopathy. The claims are being returned for further review with consideration of recent medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected back, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and scar disabilities are being remanded for further evaluation due to increased symptomatology reported since the last VA examination in June 2016.

The Veteran's low back disability, sciatica of the bilateral lower extremities, and depression are all granted as service-connected.

The Veteran's cervical degenerative disc disease with postoperative residuals is not rated higher than 20 percent, and his total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disorders is denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for inguinal hernia. The claims for back disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, myeloma, peripheral neuropathy (left upper extremity), peripheral neuropathy (left lower extremity), radiculopathy (right lower extremity), and an acquired psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder) are remanded.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for lumbar spine arthritis and right lumbar radiculopathy, finding that new evidence received since previous denials supports these claims. The Veteran's current diagnoses are supported by VA treatment records and his own reports of continuous back symptoms in the years since service.

The Veteran's right shoulder impingement syndrome is granted as service connection was reopened.,Service connection for lumbar spine disability with bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and insomnia), bilateral flat feet, left hip disability, right hip condition, left wrist disability, right wrist disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, left ankle disability, right ankle disability, heart condition, and erectile dysfunction is granted.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are denied.