Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's cervical spine strain is currently rated at 10 percent, and her service-connected disabilities do not prevent her from obtaining or maintaining a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent, the maximum schedular rating available for a severe lumbosacral strain with associated neurologic impairment. Service connection has also been granted for radiculopathy resulting from sciatica affecting the right lower extremity.

The Veteran's left leg sciatica has been manifested by mild incomplete paralysis prior to September 17, 2009 and moderate incomplete paralysis from September 17, 2009 to March 17, 2011. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for left leg sciatica prior to September 17, 2009 was denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease with left upper extremity radiculopathy, cervical spine is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of all relevant evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The Board notes that the Veteran has not provided sufficient evidence to establish a link between his current conditions and military service or Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 10 percent, and left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy is also present but not separately evaluated as it is part of the same disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining German medical records and a VA examination to address the etiology of his lumbar spine disorder with resulting bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including a new VA examination and requests for relevant medical records. The TDIU claim will also be remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or adaptive equipment, as her conditions do not result in loss of use of one or both feet.,The Veteran does not qualify for a certificate of eligibility for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to her inability to lift more than 15 pounds and engage in repetitive lifting.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain missing service treatment records and private medical records, as well as a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left sciatic neuropathy have not met the criteria for a compensable rating from June 26, 2009 to July 13, 2009. From July 13, 2009 to February 11, 2014, the Veteran's right and left sciatic neuropathy have not met the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's right lower extremity sciatica was rated at 40 percent prior to July 26, 2012 and at 60 percent from that date. The decision is mixed as some issues were granted while others were denied.

The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 40 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted. The Veteran also has radiculopathy of the left lower extremity associated with his service-connected low back disorder, which warrants a separate 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his inability to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected low back disability was granted a 40 percent rating from June 10, 2014. He is also rated for neuritis of the sciatic nerve in his left lower extremity.

The Board found no connection between any current or prior right arm disability and the Veteran's service, including her service-connected de Quervain's tenosynovitis of the right wrist. The Veteran's right arm disability was attributed to cervical radiculopathy.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for a neurological disability, including peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and lumbosacral radiculopathy. The Veteran's claims are related to exposure in Vietnam but no evidence supports this claim. The examiner is asked to determine if any diagnosed conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for a neck injury and left arm/hand radiculopathy secondary to a neck injury. The other claims of entitlement to service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's sleep apnea has been rated at 50 percent since April 21, 2009. The rating is based on the need for a CPAP machine to manage symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for service connection for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy. These issues are inextricably intertwined with the issue of severance of service connection for degenerative disc and joint disease, lumbar spine with old compression fractures T-11 and L3. The case is REMANDED to allow for further development.