Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board grants TDIU.

For the period from August 13, 2015 to January 17, 2017, the Veteran's DDD of the lumbar spine did not warrant an increased rating higher than 20 percent.,From January 18, 2017 onwards, the Veteran's radiculopathy warranted a 40% rating for his right lower extremity and a 20% rating for his left lower extremity.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated medical records and to schedule a VA examination. The case will be reconsidered after the additional development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities, a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to November 24, 2014, and in excess of 20 percent thereafter for cervical strain, and ratings in excess of 10 percent for limitation of flexion of the right and left knees have all been denied.

The Veteran's currently diagnosed left upper extremity radiculopathy is proximately due to his service-connected C5/6 disc protrusion with flattening of the adjacent spinal cord, and therefore service connection for this condition has been granted.

The Veteran's appeal of the compensable evaluation for traumatic brain injury was withdrawn. The Board denied service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, right upper extremity radiculopathy, and left upper extremity radiculopathy as these conditions are not related to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a middle and low back disorder, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, left shoulder disorder, right knee disorder, and sleep disorder. The Board found that there was no evidence of current disabilities for these conditions.

The Veteran's right shoulder impingement and cervical radiculopathy of the right arm are currently rated at 30 percent and 20 percent, respectively. The Veteran seeks higher ratings for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have significantly impacted his ability to work, and the Board finds that he is unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment due to these conditions. As a result, TDIU has been granted.

The Veteran is granted a 40 percent rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint disease, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy are each rated at 20 percent, but no more, effective since August 25, 2017. Bilateral hearing loss is not compensable.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete development, including a need for an examination regarding his claimed acquired psychiatric disorder and additional VA examinations for his service-connected lumbar spine, lower extremity radiculopathy, and knee disabilities.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder was not incurred by service nor caused or aggravated by his service-connected low back disability. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular requirements for TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inextricably intertwined claim of CUE and the need for further development before a decision can be made on the effective date issue.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a VA examination. The issues of increased ratings for her degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity are on appeal.

The Veteran's bladder and bowel incontinence are related to his service-connected DDD of the lumbar spine. Effective August 29, 2003.,Right lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 40 percent since April 30, 2013.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have more nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50% disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating or entitlement to TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining addendum opinions and a VA examination. The issues of service connection for radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities, upper extremities, and lumbar spine sprain are pending.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and providing a VA examination to assess the Veteran's functional impairment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA and private medical records and scheduling a new examination. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with the issues being remanded.