Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's lumbar degenerative disc disease and right lumbosacral radiculopathy have been evaluated based on their current manifestations, with the highest ratings granted for each condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, and thus his claims are denied.

The Board has ordered additional development for the Veteran's claims, including VA examinations to address his cervical spine, right hand, lumbar spine, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) claims. The Veteran will be provided with a comprehensive examination to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability is not etiologically related to service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right leg and right foot disabilities are not related to his service, and thus denied both claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for DJD of the lumbar spine, left knee, and right knee were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations.,The claim for right lower extremity radiculopathy was also denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations to address his claimed conditions. The appeal will be remanded to allow for this development.

The Board has determined that the effective date for service connection of lumbar spine disability and associated lower extremity radiculopathy should be October 30, 2008.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left leg radiculopathy, finding that it is secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including new examinations to assess the functional impairment resulting from his service-connected cervical and lumbar spine disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and diabetes mellitus, do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that he is unable to secure or follow such employment due to his age and the nature of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral shin splints has been withdrawn. The remaining issues of increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and PTSD are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of her service-connected lumbosacral strain and any associated neurological conditions.

The Veteran's lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease and associated radiculopathy of the lower extremities have been rated based on their orthopedic manifestations, resulting in a 20 percent evaluation for each condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine and radiculopathies of both lower extremities, result from a common etiology. The Veteran is unable to maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability with right lower extremity radiculopathy and neck disability are service connected. The issues of reopening the claim for a low back disability and granting service connection for a neck disability have been resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as he has been successfully working during the appeal period and chooses to work part-time.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU was denied as her service-connected disabilities do not render her unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected DDD of the lumbar spine is rated at 20 percent, and his radiculopathy of both lower extremities are each rated at 10 percent prior to November 23, 2015. The ratings remain unchanged as there is no evidence of more than mild incomplete paralysis.

The Veteran's neurogenic bladder is associated with his service-connected herniated disc, L-5/S-1. Service connection for this condition has been granted.