Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical spine strain, sciatica of the left lower extremity, and sciatica of the right lower extremity are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations that comply with VA examination guidelines.

The Veteran's service-connected skin disability, including allergic dermatitis and xerosis cutis, is confirmed. The Board also granted service connection for this condition. Other issues are remanded for further examination.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral upper extremity cervical radiculopathy, right foot hallux valgus, and PTSD. Service connection was denied for a left foot disability.

The Board has granted service connection for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, finding it proximately due to a service-connected lumbar spine disability. The other issues on appeal are remanded.

The Veteran's back disability, scars from spinal surgery, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy are rated based on their severity. The rating for the back disability is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,A compensable rating (10%) has been granted for the Veteran’s painful and unstable scars.

The Board has determined that the award of service connection for right upper extremity radiculopathy was clearly and unmistakably erroneous, and thus severed. The Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee disability, left knee disability, bilateral hearing loss, and Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the schedular criteria for TDIU prior to June 9, 2015. The Board found that he was unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities as of June 9, 2015.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities, as well as radiculopathy, diaphoresis, hypertension, residuals of inguinal hernia, gastrointestinal disability, prostate disability, and peripheral nerve disability (claimed as peripheral neuropathy) due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.,The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for arm pain (degenerative joint disease of the bilateral shoulder).

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to December 26, 2010 for TDIU was denied as there is no evidence showing he was unable to obtain and maintain gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities during the relevant period.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance due to her back brace is denied as there is no evidence that the brace causes actual wear and tear to her clothing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected spinal disability contributed substantially to his death from sudden cardiac death due to acute myocardial infarction. The evidence is in equipoise, and therefore, the benefit of the doubt goes to the Appellant.

The Board has granted service connection for a left hip disorder characterized by limitation of motion with pain as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left knee degenerative joint disease (DJD). The Board also granted service connection for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, claimed as part of the left hip disorder, as secondary to his service-connected low back disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current cervical spine disability is related to his in-service injuries, specifically a fractured jaw and a log fall during basic training.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate examination reports and conflicting opinions. The issues include tinnitus, left knee disability, right knee disability, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, left lower extremity sciatica, right lower extremity sciatica, acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety and depression), and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the claims due to insufficient evidence regarding the current existence of a right knee disability, thoracolumbar spine disability, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity. The Veteran's service-connected right hip osteoarthritis is also being remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's left leg radiculopathy is granted as secondary to his service-connected lumbosacral strain. The right leg radiculopathy and TDIU claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and a TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations. Her eligibility for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or other conveyance is also being remanded.

The Board denied an effective date prior to September 26, 2014 for the award of service connection and compensation for right lower extremity radiculopathy associated with the Veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating, service connection for degenerative changes of the lumbar spine, and right lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to inadequate examination reports and missing medical records.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40% effective June 26, 2016. His right and left lower extremity radiculopathy are each rated at 20%. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for TDIU.