Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in the functional equivalent to the loss of use of a foot, warranting automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been denied. His bilateral hearing loss and radiculopathy of the left upper extremity were rated appropriately based on their respective disability levels.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his spine disability, sciatic nerve radiculopathy, and hallux valgus have been denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating under the applicable criteria.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 60 percent since January 18, 2012. The right lower extremity radiculopathy has been separately rated at 20 percent effective January 18, 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment at any time since October 4, 2016.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to assess the combined effect of all his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work, including his now service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his low back disability and TDIU was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for the low back disability, as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes. For TDIU, the Board noted that the Veteran had been working full-time since 2012 and his service-connected conditions did not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before a final determination may be made on the issues of a higher initial rating for lumbar spondylosis, entitlement to TDIU, and service connection for a neck disability and radiculopathy of the bilateral upper extremities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, and multiple musculoskeletal conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since November 6, 2013. Additionally, his need for aid and attendance of another person due to his physical limitations has been established.

The Board denied initial compensable ratings for the Veteran's bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy prior to January 7, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted entitlement to TDIU.

The Board has reopened and granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss disability, low back disability, neck disability, parotid gland neoplasm, radiculopathy of upper extremities, peripheral neuropathy of upper extremities, radiculopathy of lower extremities, and peripheral neuropathy of lower extremities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of diabetes mellitus, including as secondary to a service-connected disability was denied. The Board found that there is no evidence of diabetes mellitus during or within one year after service and the Veteran did not meet the criteria for chronic disease under VA compensation purposes.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his lumbar spine disability, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, and right shoulder disability were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating schedule.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and a more current VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are found to preclude gainful employment, and a TDIU is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records and medical examinations.

The Veteran's broken teeth were caused by VA treatment, but not due to negligence or lack of foreseeability. The other conditions are denied as they do not meet the criteria for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical opinions and records.

The Veteran's cardiovascular signs and symptoms, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), dermatitis, and vertigo have not been diagnosed. The Veteran's lumbar radiculopathy is service-connected.,PTSD remains service-connected but the Veteran has not provided sufficient evidence to warrant a higher rating.