Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need to obtain a copy of any SSA decision regarding her entitlement to disability benefits.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the service-connected low back disability and a 10 percent rating for the service-connected right lower extremity radiculopathy, effective from the date of the August 2015 rating decision.

The Veteran's headaches, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and GERD have been granted increased evaluations. The sinusitis issue remains unresolved.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and associated radiculopathies of the lower extremities have been granted a combined rating of 20 percent, effective since November 10, 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to care for his daily needs without requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person; and he is neither bedridden nor housebound.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder is related to his active service, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, right carpal tunnel syndrome, left carpal tunnel syndrome, a back disorder, and radiculopathy of the left upper extremity and each lower extremity. The Veteran's current conditions are not considered to be related to her military service.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions are inadequate for the issues of PTSD, arthritis of the neck, low back, and left side, cervical radiculopathy of the left upper extremity, right knee disability, headaches, hearing loss, a disability to account for joint and body aches, and sore throat. The claims are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as the evidence did not support a finding of service connection for any claimed conditions. The Veteran was granted a non-compensable rating for his degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability, including left leg radiculopathy, is currently rated at 40 percent disabling. The increased rating and separate rating for the neurological manifestation are granted.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at the highest possible rating under the applicable criteria, but his lumbar spine disorder does not meet or nearly approximate the criteria for a higher rating.,His migraine headaches are currently rated as 30 percent disabling and do not meet or nearly approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed in this case, including obtaining relevant medical records and scheduling the Veteran for examinations to determine the current severity of his service-connected lumbar spine disability, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, and right hip condition. The TDIU issue must also be remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the higher rating claims.

The Veteran's low back disability, characterized by limited range of motion and mild radiculopathy, does not warrant a rating in excess of 40 percent. Beginning November 1, 2010, the left lower extremity radiculopathy is rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Veteran was not found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities during the period from January 31, 2007 to July 15, 2009. Despite missing some work days, he remained gainfully employed and capable of performing the physical and mental acts required by employment.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of posttraumatic stress disorder and radiculopathy of the left arm as they were withdrawn by the Veteran. The claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, cervical spine disability, and skin condition of the left lower extremity are denied.

The Veteran's claims for cervical spine disorder and hypertension are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing VA examinations.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at the highest schedular rating of 50 percent, effective September 22, 2009. The claim for an earlier effective date for sciatic and left peroneal and tibial nerve involvement is dismissed as service connection was already granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of new evidence, including VA treatment records submitted by the Veteran's representative. The claims will be reconsidered in light of all pertinent evidence.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability and granted it, finding that new evidence supports a current diagnosis of DDD of the lumbar spine and spondylosis with lumbar radiculopathy. The Board also found that this condition is related to active duty.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a TBI was reopened and granted, with an effective date of April 4, 2013.,A compensable rating (20%) is assigned for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, effective from April 4, 2013.,The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% and a higher rating is denied.,Sciatic nerve left lower extremity radiculopathy is granted with an initial rating of 10%, effective from January 13, 2011. The femoral nerve left lower extremity radiculopathy was also granted with an initial rating of 10%, effective from the same date.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied.