Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for lower extremity radiculopathy, chronic headache disability, and myotonic dystrophy due to her failure to report for VA examinations scheduled in conjunction with her claim. The criteria for a denial based on application of 38 C.F.R. § 3.655 have been met regarding the claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for low back disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further action, including a TDIU referral to the Director of Compensation and Pension Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's service-connected spondylolisthesis has been rated as 20 percent disabling since August 3, 2012. The VA determined that the condition meets the criteria for a higher rating based on its current manifestations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for OSA, gout, or DDD of the cervical spine. However, the Veteran was granted an increased rating for radiculopathy affecting the right hand.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA vocational rehabilitation records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Board found no evidence of hearing loss or any other service-connected condition that would support a grant of service connection for the Veteran's claimed disabilities. The Veteran was denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, chronic headaches, recurrent lumbar strain, sciatica of both lower extremities, and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for service-connected left C6 radiculopathy is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of right ear hearing loss for VA purposes and therefore, service connection is denied.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his bilateral service-connected sciatic nerve disorders were denied as the evidence did not show symptoms comparable with moderate or moderately severe incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve in either lower extremity at any point during the period on appeal.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims of service connection for elevated liver enzymes, left ankle sprain (claimed as left ankle fracture), bilateral knee pain, and low back pain. However, the RO found no chronic residual disability related to these conditions during service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbosacral strain and radiculopathy of the lower extremities have been granted, with a rating of 20 percent effective April 7, 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected L5 radiculopathy with left foot drop causes a skin disability causing recurrent sores and infections of the left ankle.,Right knee osteoarthritis is caused by or aggravated by the Veteran's L5 radiculopathy with left foot drop.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant through his authorized representative.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating, TDIU, and service connection were denied. The Board found no current diagnoses of the claimed conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected back condition and radiculopathy.

The Board has remanded the appeal due to issues involving a higher rating for lumbar degenerative joint disease and entitlement to TDIU. The Veteran's lumbar disability is currently rated as 20 percent disabling, but there are no indications of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes that would warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have consistently precluded him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation since February 2000, with the exception of a brief period in June 2010 to May 2012 when he was employed.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar radiculopathy of the left leg has been rated at 20 percent since July 15, 2010.