Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Board has restored the Veteran's original disability ratings of 40 percent for his right and left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy, effective April 1, 2021.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the Veteran's representative requested withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve. The Veteran's claims for carpal tunnel syndrome and sinusitis are denied as there is no persuasive evidence showing current disabilities during or near the period on appeal.

This decision grants effective dates no earlier than July 17, 2017 for the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine with degenerative arthritis, radiculopathy (sciatic) of the right lower extremity, left hip strain (extension), a 10 percent rating for left hip strain with limitation of flexion, and right hip strain with impairment (extension).,An earlier effective date is granted based on the Veteran's Intent to File form submitted on July 17, 2017.

The Veteran's left and right lower extremity radiculopathy involving the sciatic nerve are granted a 20 percent rating, but no higher.

The Veteran's service connection claims for degenerative disc disease with intervertebral disc syndrome and post traumatic osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine, as well as related radiculopathies affecting both lower extremities, were granted effective September 3, 2020.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for radiculopathy with foot drop was dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board found the reduction in disability evaluation from 40% to 20% was improper and void ab initio due to inadequate examination for reduction.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The reduction of the evaluation for a painful scar, right ankle was granted back to its original rating.

The Board denied the claim for TDIU prior to October 18, 2018 due to a lack of evidence showing that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal of the claims for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability and whether proposed reductions in ratings for service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremities were proper. The appeals are dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records identified by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's contention that his left shoulder condition was caused by or incurred in service, and denied his claim for service connection. His psychiatric disorder was rated at 50 percent effective October 21, 2020, but the Board agreed with the AOJ's decision not to grant a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU, finding that his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, hypertension, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy have been granted with effective dates of September 9, 2022. The Board found that the earlier effective dates requested by the Veteran were not warranted.

This decision grants effective dates no earlier than July 17, 2017 for the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine with degenerative arthritis, radiculopathy (sciatic) of the right lower extremity, left hip strain (extension), a 10 percent rating for left hip strain with limitation of flexion, and right hip strain with impairment (extension).,An earlier effective date is granted based on the Veteran's Intent to File form submitted on July 17, 2017.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left lower extremity sciatica and radiculopathy due to inadequate VA medical opinions. The case will be reviewed with a new examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, in combination, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and work history.

The Board has granted an effective date of August 7, 2023 for the grant of service connection for Degenerative Disc Disease and Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (also claimed as a back condition), and bilateral lower extremity sciatic neuropathy.

The Veteran's service-connected right big toe condition is found to have caused or aggravated his obstructive sleep apnea, and the Board grants service connection for this disability. The radiculopathy and TDIU claims are remanded.