Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's lumbar spine DDD is rated at 20 percent effective September 21, 2009. His right lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 10 percent effective the same date.

The Veteran's lumbar degenerative changes with IVDS and radiculopathy of the femoral nerves were not found to warrant a disability evaluation in excess of 10 percent. The evidence did not show sufficient impairment for higher ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from obtaining or keeping employment prior to March 5, 2014. The Board found that the Veteran's substance abuse disorder was a contributing factor material to his disability determination and thus he has not been disabled within the meaning of the Social Security Act at any time from the alleged onset date through the date of this decision.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the issues regarding lower extremity radiculopathies are also addressed with initial ratings of 10 percent each. The Veteran does not meet criteria for a higher rating under these conditions.

The Board has determined that a VA medical examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed low back disorder, including diagnoses noted in treatment records. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support a finding that the Veteran's cardiopulmonary arrest was caused or contributed substantially or materially to his death. The preponderance of the evidence is against the claim.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim and granted service connection for benign schwannoma tumor, sciatic notch as due to herbicide exposure (Agent Orange).

The Veteran does not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and left hand radiculopathy are related to his service as a Naval Aviator. The lumbar spine disorder is not shown during service or within one year of separation, but is considered a natural progression of biomechanical injuries incurred in service.

The appeal is REMANDED to the AOJ for further development and consideration of the Veteran's claims.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical strain, degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder, and radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities. The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to inextricably intertwined issues.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disorder has been granted, with a 40 percent evaluation effective August 24, 2017.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the spine is currently rated at 40 percent since September 16, 2015.,The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy is currently rated at 20 percent since May 17, 2017.

The Veteran's bilateral radiculopathy of the lower extremities is found to be secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease. The claim for increased disability rating for the lumbar spine disorder and TDIU are granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected left knee and left lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations.

The Veteran's service connection claim for sciatica of the right lower extremity is granted as it is secondary to her already service-connected lumbar disability.

The Veteran is granted service connection for left hip DJD, status post left hip replacement.,Service connection is also granted for degenerative disc disease (DDD).,Left leg radiculopathy secondary to degenerative disc disease has been established as well.,Heart condition due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam is now service connected.,Bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are both found to be related to service, with tinnitus being noted since service.,Hypertension, also linked to service exposure, has been granted service connection.,No specific rating or effective date was provided.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the criteria for entitlement to a TDIU are met.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and obtaining updated treatment records.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity was rated at 10 percent prior to April 18, 2014 and increased to 20 percent as of that date. The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right lower extremity was rated at 10 percent prior to April 18, 2014 and increased to 20 percent as of that date.,The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity has not met the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent prior to April 18, 2014. The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right lower extremity has not met the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent prior to April 18, 2014.