Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's initial rating for his left shoulder disability and lumbar spine disability, as well as the right leg radiculopathy, are being remanded due to incomplete records and need for further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including bipolar disorder, cervical spine disability, hysterectomy, and oophorectomy, prevent her from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's cervical radiculopathy may be service-connected as secondary to his service-connected bilateral knee and low back disabilities, but an addendum opinion is needed to determine if there is aggravation of the cervical radiculopathy due to these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine disability and right lower extremity sciatica are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is remanded. The Board notes that he also wishes to withdraw his appeal regarding left lower extremity sciatica, which had never been appealed.,The Veteran's claims for service connection of erectile dysfunction and migraine headaches are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.,The Veteran's claim for a separate rating for bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy is remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of any heart disability, hypertension, peptic ulcer disease, kidney disability, or radiculopathy. The claims for service connection are therefore denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the inadequacy of previous examinations. A new examination is needed to assess the severity of his back disability, including neurological symptoms.

The Board denied service connection for low back, left arm, and right-hand disorders, finding that the current diagnoses are not related to service or any in-service injury.

The Board has denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for lumbar spinal stenosis with radiculopathy due to the August 2014 VA spine surgery, but has remanded cases regarding service connection for acquired psychiatric disability and residuals of eye surgery.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU, but his unemployability is due to his service-connected conditions. The Board finds that referral to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration of a TDIU is warranted.

The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy has increased in severity, and a VA examination is needed to assess the current level of disability.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome and GERD, but has remanded these issues due to insufficient evidence. The hearing loss issue is also being remanded.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted, and his peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities are rated at 20 percent each. His peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities (sciatic nerve) are rated at 40 percent each since June 18, 2013, and his peripheral neuropathy of the anterior femoral nerves are rated at 20 percent each.

The Veteran's right knee instability, strain, and scars are rated at 10 percent each. The combined rating is less than the minimum required for TDIU (60% or more disability).

The Board has remanded the claims for increased evaluations and earlier effective dates due to incomplete records from private providers.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for migraines, neck disorder, radiculopathy of the left upper extremity, and radiculopathy of the right upper extremity. The issues are related to whether these conditions are associated with his service-connected neck disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various spinal, nerve, joint, and psychiatric disabilities have been dismissed as the Veteran has withdrawn his appeal of these issues. The claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded due to new evidence.

The Veteran's left and right knee disabilities were granted a 10 percent evaluation prior to March 3, 2012.,A 20 percent evaluation was granted for the Veteran’s thoracic scoliosis from March 3, 2012 to April 30, 2015. The lower extremity radiculopathies were granted a 10 percent evaluation starting May 1, 2014 and a 20 percent evaluation starting June 8, 2016.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the submission of new evidence. The AOJ will review this evidence and further adjudicate the claims.

The Board has remanded the claims for an increased disability rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and associated sciatic radiculopathy, as well as the claim for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance. The issues are inextricably intertwined with the previously remanded issues.

The Veteran's multiple service-connected conditions, including sleep apnea and thoracolumbar spine issues, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.