Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities is found to be related to his service-connected neck and back disabilities.,Higher initial ratings for a neck disability, a back disability, and migraines are granted.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated as 40 percent disabling, but the evidence does not support a higher rating due to lack of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.,The Veteran's right and left lower extremity radiculopathy are both currently rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder with PTSD was productive of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity from March 7, 2012 to March 4, 2013. The Veteran's lumbar strain with a history of herniated disc did not result in significant disability. The Veteran's cervical strain did not meet the criteria for an increased rating. The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy was productive of mild incomplete paralysis throughout the appeal period. The Veteran's GERD has resulted in persistent symptoms but without severe impairment.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical spine degenerative disc disease, right upper extremity radiculopathy, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy have been denied.,The Board found that the evidence did not support higher ratings for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression, is caused by her service-connected DDD of the lumbar spine and hallux valgus deformity. Her headaches are caused by her service-connected asthma. For the period from February 17, 2006 to April 13, 2016, she exhibited symptoms consistent with mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve for left lower extremity sciatica and for right lower extremity sciatica. For the period from April 14, 2016 forward, she exhibited symptoms consistent with moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve for left lower extremity sciatica. For the period from July 6, 2016 forward, she exhibited symptoms consistent with moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve for right lower extremity sciatica.

The Board has ordered further development due to the inadequacy of an August 2017 opinion and potential outstanding treatment records. The Veteran's meralgia paresthetica is being evaluated for its relationship to his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and/or service-connected lumbar radiculopathy.

The Veteran's representative has withdrawn the appeals for earlier effective dates for increased ratings of PTSD and degenerative changes, lumbar spine with right side sciatica.

The Veteran's appeal was withdrawn for the claims of service connection for a disability claimed as weight loss and weight gain, and increased ratings for lumbar spine disability, erectile dysfunction, and a lumbar spine scar. The Board granted higher ratings for right lower extremity radiculopathy (prior to December 12, 2012) and left lower extremity radiculopathy (from June 11, 2014 onwards).

The Veteran's back disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy. The effective date of the decision is not specified.

The Veteran's low back disability, including low back strain, is found to be service-connected. The Board also granted service connection for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy based on the evidence of record.

The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder, bilateral knee disorders, neurological disorder of the lower extremities (cramps, numbness, radiculopathy), and cervical spine disorder are secondary to his service-connected right ankle disability. Service connection for these conditions has been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's stroke is not etiologically related to his active service or service-connected disabilities. The claim for secondary service connection for a stroke remains denied.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine disability, radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities were denied as there was no evidence to support a finding that the disability picture more nearly approximated the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy and chest pain/myocardial infarction (MI) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy and sciatic neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities have been denied.,The Board found that the evidence did not show symptoms more nearly approximating a higher rating than 10 percent for these conditions.

The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities are sufficiently severe to render him unable to maintain any form of substantially gainful employment consistent with his occupational background, and grants a TDIU.