Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 20 percent, and his radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is also rated at 20 percent. The Veteran's PTSD remains rated at 50 percent prior to January 5, 2017, but not for a higher rating beginning that date.

The Veteran's claims for clothing allowances were denied as the topical anti-inflammatory cream and back brace did not meet the criteria for a clothing allowance under VA regulations.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, both determined to be related to service.,Secondary service connection is also granted for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity as it is found to be due to the Veteran's service-connected low back disability.

The Veteran's prostate cancer has been rated at 100% since August 2012, and the Board finds he is entitled to a rating of 40% for his service-connected prostate cancer from February 21, 2015.,For his bilateral lower extremity sciatic nerve peripheral neuropathy, the Veteran's disability has been rated at 40%, effective since October 29, 2015. The Board finds that he is not entitled to a higher rating as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has granted entitlement to Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) and also granted eligibility for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DEA) benefits under Chapter 35, Title 38, United States Code. The TDIU is due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities making him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. DEA benefits are granted based on his unemployability.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary for the issues of increased disability ratings for low back pain with lumbar osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease, sciatica, left lower extremity, and entitlement to a TDIU. The Veteran will be provided notification letters and asked to provide authorization for VA to obtain private medical records. He will also be scheduled for VA examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right upper extremity disability claimed as secondary to his service-connected back or left leg disability, and remanded the issue of an increased rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has dismissed the issues of service connection for radiculopathy in both left and right lower extremities as these claims have been fully granted by a March 2014 rating decision.

The Board has denied service connection for cardiovascular disease and remanded the issues of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy. The decision is pending further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for low back pain and related conditions, as well as a bilateral lower extremity neurological disorder including sciatica, were denied. The Board found no evidence of chronic diseases or injuries during service that could be linked to the current disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, radiculopathy, muscle loss in upper extremities, peripheral neuropathy in lower extremities, and carpal tunnel syndrome. The Veteran's current conditions are not related to his active service.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, radiculopathy, muscle loss in upper extremities, peripheral neuropathy in lower extremities, and carpal tunnel syndrome. The Veteran's current conditions are not related to his active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, low back disability, wrist osteoarthritis, and left lower extremity radiculopathy, prevented him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to March 31, 2012. The Board granted the TDIU claim based on the evidence showing his service-connected conditions precluded him from sedentary employment.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for spondylolisthesis lumbosacral spine at L5-S1 and separate ratings for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy was denied. The evidence did not show more than moderate limitation of motion or flexion limited to 40 degrees.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his service-connected left and right knee disabilities have been dismissed as he withdrew them prior to the decision. The Board also granted entitlement to individual unemployability (TDIU) due to multiple service-connected conditions preventing him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied service connection for cervical and thoracic spine disorders on a secondary basis only, as the Veteran's lumbar spine disability did not cause or aggravate these conditions. The Board also denied service connection for radiculopathy of the bilateral upper extremities on a secondary basis only, as it was determined that this condition is related to his non-service-connected cervical spine disorder.

The Board denied service connection for dry mouth and bilateral CTS, as well as various rating claims. The Veteran's hallux valgus, pes planus, cervical spine conditions, and shoulder separation were all rated appropriately.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome was denied as his condition does not meet the criteria for an increased rating.

The Veteran's back condition and left lower extremity radiculopathy are granted as secondary to service-connected left ankle DJD. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities is denied.

The Veteran is service-connected for bilateral pes planus, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, lumbar spine degenerative joint disease, and residuals of inguinal hernia. The combined evaluation is 50 percent. The Board has determined that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience.