Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective date were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating or an earlier effective date prior to November 18, 2014.,The Board found that the Veteran's radiculopathy was rated appropriately at 10 percent since November 18, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, specifically his lumbar spine and bilateral lower extremities conditions, render him unemployable. The Board grants a TDIU based on the severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including varicose veins, chronic low back syndrome, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease, are of sufficient severity to preclude all forms of substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability are met.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his lumbar spine, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and right foot plantar fasciitis have been denied. The current ratings of 20 percent for each condition are deemed adequate.

The Veteran's appeal involves a claim for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint and disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, L2-3, L3-4, L4-5, and L5-S1, and mild degenerative sacroiliac joints. The appeal is remanded to obtain additional medical examinations and opinions regarding his associated neurological symptoms.

The Veteran's previous occupation as a chiropractor is unsuitable due to his service-connected knee, back, and hip disabilities. The Board finds that additional vocational rehabilitation training under Chapter 31 of Title 38 is warranted.

The Veteran's left knee disability, resulting from a motorcycle accident in service and eventually requiring total knee replacement surgery, is found to be related to his active duty service. The Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sciatica is related to his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine at L4-5 and L5-S1, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability and associated radiculopathy, as well as his glaucoma, are not service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's left upper extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, radiculopathy of the left upper extremity, and residuals of a neck injury, have prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment since May 10, 1999.

The Veteran is currently assigned a 20 percent rating for his lumbar spine disability and a 20 percent rating for his left lower extremity radiculopathy, effective May 31, 2017.,From March 23, 2012, to prior to May 31, 2017, the Veteran is entitled to a 20 percent rating for his lumbar spine disability and a 10 percent rating for his left lower extremity radiculopathy. After May 31, 2017, both conditions are rated at 20 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, finding that it is proximately due to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability and left lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that there is doubt in favor of the Veteran's assertions regarding his injuries during service.

The Veteran's appeal of his claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected lumbar spondylolisthesis has been withdrawn.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a TBI and/or residuals thereof, right ankle disorder, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and esophageal disorder have been denied. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's low back disability has been rated as 10 percent disabling, and his right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy have each been rated as 10 percent disabling. The appeal is granted for the right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his degenerative disc disease with low back pain is granted, but the issue of extraschedular TDIU rating remains pending as it is unclear if this appeal involves service connection.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative disease of the lumbar spine and radiculopathy of the lower right extremity, finding that there was no direct or secondary service connection based on the evidence presented.