Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's initial ratings for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities were granted, with each receiving a 40 percent rating effective January 28, 2015.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the neurological symptoms in his left lower extremity are also rated as 40 percent under a separate diagnostic code. The Board finds that neither condition warrants an increase to a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities effectively result in the loss of use of both lower extremities, precluding locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes or a wheelchair. As such, he is eligible for specially adapted housing.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right lower extremity/sciatic neuropathy, to include as secondary to his service-connected L-1 vertebra compression fracture, has been denied. The Board found no current disability of the right leg and that the evidence does not support a finding of neuropathy.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy are not service-connected, as they are not shown to be directly related to his military service or a service-connected condition. The VA opinions provided do not support a finding of secondary service connection.

The Veteran's leg length discrepancy was not caused or aggravated by VA care, and the claimed disabilities are not service-connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed disabilities are not related to his active service, and therefore denied all of his claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran had chronic manifestations of bilateral sacroiliitis in service, and therefore grants service connection for a back disability (bilateral sacroiliitis) for accrued benefits purposes.

The Board finds that the effective date for the grant of service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy should be June 7, 2007, as this is the earliest date on which it was factually ascertainable that an increase in disability occurred.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for further development and consideration by the Director, Compensation Service.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine with facet syndrome and radiculopathy affecting both lower extremities, but denied a claim for service connection for psychiatric disability as secondary to back disability. The Veteran is entitled to separate initial evaluations for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy and neuropathy was denied. The claims for increased evaluations of cervical spine degenerative arthritis and right knee status post repair of ACL and torn meniscus were also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lumbar disc disease and bilateral radiculopathy, left ankle disability, tinnitus, and hearing loss, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable, and the Board finds that he is entitled to a TDIU based on his combined rating of 90 percent.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his lumbar spine and lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board has found that the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including bilateral shoulder osteoarthritis, cervical radiculopathy, heart condition (presumably ischemic heart disease), eczema, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus, were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The VA medical opinions provided less than 50% probability for a nexus between the Veteran's current disabilities and his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his low back disorder and radiculopathy of the lower extremities, meet the criteria for a TDIU as of September 17, 2012. The case is remanded to determine if all forms of employment are precluded due to these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder, right ankle surgery residuals, and right hip disorder are not related to his military service or secondary to his service-connected right knee disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for a left lower extremity disability, cervical spine disability, and variously diagnosed psychiatric disorder secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain with spondylosis.