Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral lumbar radiculopathy of the lower extremities, secondary to service-connected lumbar degenerative disk disease. The Veteran's bladder and gastrointestinal disabilities are also considered in light of their relationship to his service-connected back disability.

The Veteran's initial claim for higher ratings for cervical spine disability and left cervical radiculopathy was denied. The Veteran is not entitled to an increased rating for his service-connected conditions during the period of appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his active service, including as due to exposure to tactical herbicides.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral leg disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied the claim. The gout of his lower extremities was also not caused or aggravated by his service-connected knee disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical radiculopathy of the left upper extremity, finding that there was no evidence of complete paralysis or other signs of severe incomplete paralysis. The Veteran is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including consideration of additional evidence and a discussion of the impact of newly service-connected disabilities on the Veteran's employability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not constitute an employment handicap as defined by VA regulations, and he is therefore not eligible for vocational rehabilitation benefits.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain and retain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability and radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that the issue of whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for arterial hypertension is moot due to its grant. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, radiculopathy of the left upper extremity, radiculopathy of the right upper extremity, PTSD, and allergic rhinitis have all been found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining missing service treatment records and post-service medical records.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and updated treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case for an appropriate VA examination and to determine if an extra-schedular evaluation is warranted under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b).

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 20 percent since June 11, 2016. He also has a separate compensable rating for sciatica of the left lower extremity.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability is being remanded due to inconsistencies in the medical evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted for special monthly compensation.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of his right shoulder tear rotator cuff and granted a rating increase for his nonunited fracture of navicular bone, right foot. The Veteran is also entitled to TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability and radiculopathy of the left upper extremity.,An increased rating of 20 percent is assigned for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his low back disability with radiculopathy was not perfected, and the effective date for the assignment of a 60 percent rating is July 11, 2014.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 40 percent prior to May 6, 2014. The Board has granted a higher rating of 40 percent for the Veteran's back disability.