Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's right upper arm radiculopathy is found to be secondary to his service-connected cervical spine disorder. For the entire appeal period, he has degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine with a combined range of motion limited to 235 degrees or less and no associated neurologic impairment. For the period prior to December 23, 2009, his sleep apnea was not manifested by persistent daytime hypersomnolence or use of a breathing assistance device; however, beginning from that date, it is not manifested by chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or cor pulmonale, nor did he require a tracheotomy.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities are denied as the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that any current condition was incurred or aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed as he withdrew his application to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for hepatitis. The remaining issues were addressed, but the case is remanded for additional examinations and development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed left knee disorder, right ankle disorder, lumbar spine disorder, and sciatica are not service-connected as they do not have a direct relationship to his military service or any service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal through written correspondence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new examination and an addendum opinion addressing the impact of his service-connected disabilities on employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are denied. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or disease, and there is no medical opinion linking any current disabilities to service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent since July 11, 2006 and the left lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 20 percent from January 8, 2007 to August 18, 2013. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.,Prior to August 19, 2013, the Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 40 percent. After that date, there is no evidence of muscle atrophy or severe incomplete paralysis, which would warrant an even higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues including increased ratings for various service-connected disabilities, a TDIU claim, and the assignment of combined disability ratings. The Board has determined that some claims have been granted while others remain pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and providing the Veteran with a VA examination to assess his service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint disease and bilateral lower extremity femoral radiculopathy.

The appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for sciatic nerve pain, including as secondary to a low back disorder, will be reconsidered.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing an opinion regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU as he has been gainfully employed throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder, right sciatica, left shoulder joint disorder, bilateral foot disorder, and IBS have been granted increased ratings. The effective dates for these increases are not specified.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations and effective date were granted, with a combined 100% rating effective March 21, 2014.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to December 27, 2012 for service connection of scars and facial neuropathy are granted. The initial disability ratings assigned remain unchanged.

The Veteran's appeal regarding a higher initial rating for his right ankle disability and residual scar, as well as the issue of service connection for sciatic nerve impingement affecting his right lower extremity (claimed secondary to his back disability), was granted by the Board.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, finding it secondary to the Veteran's service-connected low back disability. The rating of 20% for the low back disability is maintained.