Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn due to his satisfaction with the current evaluations for cervical spine degenerative joint disease and left upper extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of private medical expenses incurred at Providence Centralia Hospital is being remanded due to the lack of relevant records. The AOJ will obtain any missing treatment records and daily notes from November 19-20, 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depression and neurological disorders, render him unemployable. The Board finds that a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is warranted for the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's DDD of the cervical spine and upper extremity radiculopathy were rated based on their respective conditions, with the right and left upper extremities receiving separate ratings. The Veteran received increased ratings for his upper extremity radiculopathy from September 26, 2014.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability and LUE radiculopathy were granted initial ratings of 30 percent effective October 28, 2011.

The Veteran's appeal involves claims for increased ratings and TDIU related to his service-connected lumbosacral degenerative disease with intermittent radiculopathy and intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) with intermittent radiculopathy. The case is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records, SSA disability determination information, and any other relevant evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability, including degenerative disc disease at L3-S1 with central stenosis, lumbar facet syndrome, herniated nucleus pulposus at L4-L5 and L5-S1, and left lower extremity radiculopathy, is service-connected.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for left knee, right knee, and hypertension have been dismissed as he withdrew his appeals prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA examinations and evidence. The issues include service connection for various disabilities and increased ratings.

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

The Veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for a VA examination. The Under Secretary for Benefits will also be consulted regarding whether cervical radiculopathy and neuropathy of the upper extremities are related to radiation exposure or other factors.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and right lower extremity radiculopathy have been rated appropriately based on their severity.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA Peripheral Nerves examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection on a secondary basis to his service-connected left leg radiculopathy with foot drop is being remanded due to inadequate VA examination and the need for an additional opinion.

The Veteran's intervertebral disc syndrome, L5-S1, was granted an initial rating of 60 percent from February 16, 1995 to July 20, 2004. Beginning July 21, 2004, the Veteran is entitled to a separate 20 percent rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy associated with intervertebral disc syndrome and an initial rating of 20 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right chronic Achilles tendonitis, cervical spine disability, acquired psychiatric disabilities (including PTSD, bipolar disorder, and depression), migraine headaches, radiculopathy, and thoracic outlet syndrome was granted with an effective date of September 28, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA spine examination to assess the severity of his low back disability and left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) for further development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, annual leave reports from his employer, and a new VA examination. The claims will be reviewed after this additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain his old claims file, locate any relevant VA treatment records, and schedule a VA audiological examination. The issues of service connection for lumbar spine disorder with associated bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, left hip disorder, and stomach/gastrointestinal disorder are being addressed on remand.

The Board finds that the Veteran's neuropathy/radiculopathy of the lower extremities is not causally or etiologically due to service and is not proximately due to or aggravated by a service-connected disability, including his lumbar strain.