Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Board has denied service connection for an umbilical hernia, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and neoplasms of the kidney as there is no current diagnosis or evidence supporting these conditions.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance is remanded due to the lack of a VA examination addressing only his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied service connection for temporary blindness and remanded the issues of service connection for neuropathy of the lower left and right extremities. The Veteran's cataracts are not related to his exposure at Camp Lejeune, but his neuropathy is linked to a B12 deficiency.

The Board has granted service connection for insomnia and remanded the remaining issues due to need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy and cervical spine disability have been granted initial ratings of 20 percent since August 9, 2011. The Veteran is not entitled to higher ratings for these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disorder to include degenerative joint disease and cervical radiculopathy, as well as residuals of a traumatic brain injury. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for carpal tunnel syndrome, right hand and left hand, degenerative joint disease of the right ankle, mild arthritis of the left ankle, and bilateral pes planus are remanded due to insufficient evidence in his file. A new VA examination is required.

The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis changes status post arthroscopic repair is rated at 10 percent, and the Veteran has a separate evaluation of 10 percent for right knee instability. The Veteran’s tinnitus is currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling.,For his cervical spine conditions, the Veteran has been granted evaluations in excess of 20 percent from February 5, 2015. His lumbar spine condition remains at a 20 percent evaluation prior to February 5, 2015 and is rated as 40 percent disabling after that date.,The Veteran's progressive muscle atrophy associated with spondylosis with degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine has been remanded for further review. His sleep apnea remains at a 50 percent evaluation, and his radiculopathy conditions have also been remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The initial rating of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain prior to May 23, 2017 is granted. A separate rating of 10 percent for associated LLE radiculopathy prior to June 13, 2013 and a higher rating of 20 percent from June 13, 2013 to May 23, 2017 is denied. The Veteran's claim for PTSD is granted with a rating of 50 percent effective before May 23, 2017. The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to June 13, 2014 is granted.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, rated at 10 percent, is not found to be more severe than what is currently reflected by the rating.

The Board has remanded two issues: service connection for a right shoulder disability and service connection for radiculopathy of the right upper extremity. The Veteran's left shoulder bursitis is found to not have caused or aggravated these disabilities, but further examination is needed to determine if they are related to his active service.

The Veteran's radiculopathy in both left and right lower extremities is rated at 10 percent, the lowest possible rating under VA regulations. The Board found no evidence of moderate or more severe incomplete paralysis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient opinions regarding service connection for major depression and headaches, as well as inadequate evaluations of her radiculopathy and DDD.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right lower extremity is rated at 20 percent since June 19, 2018. The Board found that her back disability warrants a remand for further examination.

The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 40 percent, and his left lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 20 percent. The lumbar spine disability remains at a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for further evaluation of his conditions, particularly regarding his TBI and radiculopathy.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right lower extremity and bilateral hip conditions are not entitled to increased disability ratings. The effective date for Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) is granted but with a later effective date than initially requested.,The Veteran is not entitled to an earlier effective date for DEA, as it was assigned based on his service discharge date.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and urinary incontinence, have rendered him unable to secure or follow any substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that his conditions preclude him from engaging in such employment.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder, sciatica of the bilateral lower extremities, and a bilateral knee disability are denied. A 20% rating is granted for lumbosacral spine disability effective September 14, 2017.