Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and TDIU was granted. For the period on appeal, he is rated at 40 percent for his lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with history of low back strain, and 10 percent each for his left and right lower extremity radiculopathy associated with this condition.

The Veteran's surgeries were performed with informed consent, and there is no evidence of negligence or substandard care. The additional disability was not caused by the VA treatment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PUD, tinnitus, and left ear hearing loss. The evidence did not show a disability picture more nearly approximating moderate or higher for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for her low back disability is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (lumbar spine disability and associated radiculopathy of the lower bilateral extremities) preclude her from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, meeting the minimum schedular requirements for TDIU benefits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to January 1, 2017, or any compensable rating thereafter. The evidence shows mild symptoms consistent with the assigned ratings.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 40 percent, effective May 25, 1999.

The Veteran's right leg radicular symptoms are secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. The Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's left C6 radiculopathy is currently rated at 20 percent, effective December 1, 2010. The Board finds that the current rating adequately reflects his symptoms of numbness and mild incomplete paralysis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the ratings for atherosclerotic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, type II, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, bilateral diabetic retinopathy and left macular edema, and hypertension.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability and right leg radiculopathy are not related to his military service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral hip disability and therefore, service connection for this condition cannot be granted.

The Board has granted service connection for right leg sciatica, but denied service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus. The claims of service connection for hypertension, stroke (residuals), and heart disorder are being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for various conditions, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar and cervical spines, arthralgia of the right knee, peripheral artery disease, and hypertension have all been denied. The Board found that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for unspecified immunological disability, peripheral neuropathy, thyroid disorder, sciatica, and residuals of cold weather exposure. The evidence did not establish a direct link between these conditions and active service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating for her low back condition or radiculopathy, except for a separate 10 percent rating granted for right lower extremity radiculopathy from August 31, 2010 to March 10, 2014.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a VA examination and addressing the issues of increased ratings for his lumbar spine disability and left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for a low back disorder, left leg radiculopathy/sciatica, and left foot drop are granted. The case is also remanded to obtain an addendum opinion regarding whether his service-connected disabilities may have caused or aggravated his diagnosed left hip and left knee arthritis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and review of his service-connected disabilities' impact on his ability to work.