Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine disability and left lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has denied a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis and remanded the issues of increased ratings for major depressive disorder, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and right upper extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran's claims are being returned to the RO for further development.

This decision is remanded for additional development to obtain updated VA and private treatment records, including from a medical facility in Sedalia, Missouri. The Veteran should also be provided an opportunity to submit lay statements regarding her service-connected conditions and their impact on her ability to work.,The Veteran's kidney stones claim will require a new VA examination to determine if she had any such condition during service or is otherwise related to service. Her sinusitis and right hip disability claims will need a new VA examination, including the May 2012 private treatment record, to assess whether they began in service or are related to service.,The Veteran's GERD claim requires a new VA examination to determine its current severity. The cervical spine disability claim needs a new VA examination to evaluate her radiculopathy of the upper extremities and to assess any associated objective neurologic abnormalities under an appropriate diagnostic code. Her right elbow disabilities will need a new VA examination to determine their current severity.

The Veteran's claim for an extension beyond August 31, 2015 for a temporary total rating due to right shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis disability following surgery was denied. The Veteran also met the criteria for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the current severity of his service-connected lumbar spine disability and left knee disorder, as well as any associated neurological disorders. He will also be scheduled for a VA examination to assess the etiology of his left knee disorder.

The Veteran's benign cyclic leukopenia, left knee disability, lumbar spine disability (including sciatic condition), and acquired psychiatric condition (to include PTSD) are all found to be related to service. The Veteran is granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left lower extremity sciatica has been denied as there is no current diagnosis of the claimed disability. The claims for right lower extremity sciatica, low back disability, bilateral hearing loss, severe non-proliferative diabetic neuropathy, and tinnitus have also been remanded due to lack of a statement of the case.

The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy was rated as 10 percent prior to July 6, 2015 and increased to 60 percent since that date.

The Veteran's tinnitus, acquired psychiatric disorder (bipolar disorder), OSA, migraine headaches, and left knee pain are all granted service connection.,Service connection for right shoulder disability, bilateral hearing loss, right leg restless leg syndrome, left leg restless leg syndrome, cervical spine osteoarthritis, and left arm radiculopathy is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been found to preclude him from securing and maintaining all forms of substantially gainful employment, thus TDIU is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the issue of service connection for a low back disability due to insufficient evidence regarding its onset and etiology. The Veteran's lay statements about in-service injuries are considered, but further medical examination is needed.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The decision also granted special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114 (s) from November 21, 2011.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including new VA examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity and an initial rating of 20 percent for lumbar disability. The Veteran's radiculopathy is caused by or related to his military service, while his lumbar disability is characterized by limited range of motion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings, service connection, and secondary service connection due to delays in processing. The issues include his mood disorder, back disability, radiculopathy of bilateral lower extremities, hip, knee, and foot disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left upper extremity neuropathy, a cervical spine disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD due to potential issues with medical opinions and need for further development.

The Veteran is granted service connection for a back condition and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity. The appeal regarding an increased disability rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from obtaining and following a substantially gainful occupation prior to November 1, 2013.

The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 20 percent, effective throughout the appeal period. The Board has remanded issues regarding his lumbar spine disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy for further examination and rating considerations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations.