Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities have not resulted in any incapacitating episodes, so they are evaluated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The evidence does not support a higher rating as her range of motion has been stable throughout the appeal period.,For left lower extremity radiculopathy, the Veteran is already service-connected and no separate ratings are warranted due to lack of associated neurologic abnormalities in other extremities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and initial evaluations in excess of 10 percent for service-connected lumbar spondylosis with spinal stenosis, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional evidence from the Social Security Administration.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for chronic sinusitis and left L5-S1 radiculopathy were granted. Service connection was denied for a cervical spine disability, left thoracic outlet syndrome, right thoracic outlet syndrome, left carpal tunnel syndrome, right carpal tunnel syndrome, and fibromyalgia.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a cervical spine disability caused or aggravated by his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the appellant's claims for TDIU and special monthly compensation due to additional evidence being needed, including VA clinical records and a social and industrial survey. The issues are inextricably intertwined with a pending claim of service connection for depression.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability with bilateral radiculopathy, finding that the Veteran's symptoms had their onset in service. The heart disorder and neck disability claims are remanded as additional medical opinions are needed to determine their relationship to service. Right and left foot disabilities are also remanded.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain, with L2 deformity, was found to warrant a 10 percent rating based on the schedular criteria. The extraschedular consideration did not result in an increased rating.

The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy has been rated at 20 percent, the highest available rating under the applicable diagnostic code. The Board finds that this is the appropriate disability rating given the severity of his symptoms and findings.

The Veteran's low back disability and associated right lower extremity radiculopathy have been granted initial ratings of 40 percent for the entire appeal period, with a temporary increase to 60 percent effective November 21, 2012.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left knee disability, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination and the obtaining of relevant medical records.

The Veteran's low back disability is productive of left lower extremity radiculopathy, and the Board finds it at least as likely as not that his service-connected low back disability has caused left leg radiculopathy. The Veteran is granted a 10 percent rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need for updated examinations to assess his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected low back disability and left knee degenerative joint disease. The effective date for the grant of service connection for left knee degenerative joint disease is also being addressed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the Veteran with a VA examination. The issues of increased disability ratings for her service-connected lower back condition and secondary service connection for urinary frequency are also being addressed.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim and found that new evidence supports a service connection for arthritis of the lumbar spine and left lower extremity radiculopathy, which are related to his in-service injury.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially-gainful occupation prior to December 11, 2009, effective July 23, 2003.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected back disability, and scheduling a VA Social Industrial Survey. The issues on appeal are an increased rating for intervertebral disc syndrome with sciatic nerve involvement and entitlement to TDIU.