Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that he meets the schedular requirement for TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining his VA vocational rehabilitation file and Social Security Administration records. The issue of two separate compensable ratings for bilateral radiculopathy from the service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine has also been raised and must be addressed first.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent prior to October 15, 2009. From that date onwards, the rating for radiculopathy of both lower extremities is 20 percent.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude her from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, as they are rated at a combined 60 percent.

The Board found that the appellant's additional disabilities, including cervical spine radiculopathy and psychiatric disorders, were not caused by VA carelessness or negligence. The surgeries performed did not result in these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, low back disability, right leg radiculopathy, and left leg radiculopathy were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran does not have a diagnosed leg disability, and the Board finds that his hip, knee, and ankle disabilities are not related to military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (rated at a combined 90%) are shown to render him incapable of maintaining regular substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability did not result in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine limited to 30 degrees or less, and intervertebral disc syndrome was not diagnosed. The Veteran is not currently diagnosed with radiculopathy of either the right or left lower extremity.,The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability did not result in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine limited to 30 degrees or less, and intervertebral disc syndrome was not diagnosed. The Veteran is not currently diagnosed with radiculopathy of either the right or left lower extremity.,The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability did not result in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine limited to 30 degrees or less, and intervertebral disc syndrome was not diagnosed. The Veteran is not currently diagnosed with radiculopathy of either the right or left lower extremity.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right lower extremity radiculopathy associated with a service-connected lumbar spine disability is being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability did not result in residuals of vertebral fracture or unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine since September 23, 2002. Therefore, his claim for a higher rating was denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's TDIU claim for additional development, including a VA examination and consideration of whether an extraschedular rating is warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining outstanding VA treatment records and providing the Veteran with notice of his rights to submit lay statements from himself and others regarding his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to April 29, 2008. The Board has determined that the case should be remanded for further action including referral of the claim to VA's Director of Compensation and Pension for consideration of an extraschedular TDIU rating.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, including posttraumatic stress disorder and lower extremity radiculopathy, have been granted. The Veteran served in combat and has a diagnosed PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including blindness and multiple musculoskeletal issues, meet the criteria for specially adapted housing/home adaptation grant.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his chronic lumbosacral strain and cervical spine disability, have rendered him in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on this need.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded as the RO incorrectly adjudicated other issues and failed to provide an adequate examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertonicity of the right plantar flexion muscle group, claimed as a right foot disability, is secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability and/or sciatic nerve paralysis, right lower extremity, associated with a lumbar spine disability.,The Board has also determined that the Veteran's right hip disability is related to his service-connected lumbar spine disability and/or sciatic nerve paralysis, right lower extremity, associated with a lumbar spine disability. The Board has not made a determination on whether the Veteran's allergies and/or sinus disability are secondary to his service-connected scar, left nose.