Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination and an addendum to the April 2010 VA opinion.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 20 percent prior to October 26, 2011 and increased to 40 percent effective October 26, 2011. The right lower extremity sciatic nerve impairment was also rated at 10 percent prior to October 26, 2011 and increased to 20 percent effective October 26, 2011.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, with associated right and left upper extremity radiculopathy, is currently rated at 10 percent. The claims for increased ratings are granted.

The Veteran's lumbar strain status post laminectomy and associated radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities have been granted increased evaluations.

The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is found to be the result of his service-connected low back disability, and thus granted as secondary service connection. The left lower extremity radiculopathy issue remains pending due to lack of jurisdiction.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted with an effective date of February 17, 2007, but no earlier. The decision is based on the evidence showing that he had more than marginal employment until February 16, 2007.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and his left shoulder radiculopathy at 10 percent. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on either condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate opinion from the VA examiner and need for further development.

The Veteran's bilateral leg disorder is found to be secondary to his service-connected lumbosacral spine degenerative disc disease. His current rating for the lumbosacral spine disability remains at 40 percent.

The Board has found service connection for a low back disorder and right lower extremity radiculopathy is granted. The Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, radiculopathy of the lower extremities (secondary to the low back disability), and tinnitus. The Veteran's current disabilities are related to his active military service.,Tinnitus was found to be less likely as not due to service but more likely due to civilian noise exposure.

The Veteran's service connection claim for right lower extremity radiculopathy was granted, with a 10% rating effective February 2, 2011. The appeal is dismissed as the issue has been resolved.

The Veteran's claim for increased evaluations for his service-connected cervical spine disability and related left upper extremity radiculopathy is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of recent treatment records.

The Veteran's back condition was rated at 20 percent prior to December 2009 and increased to 40 percent effective December 2009. The Veteran is seeking a higher rating for his service-connected degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine.,The Veteran's right leg numbness was initially rated at 10 percent in May 3, 2005, and increased to 40 percent effective December 2009. The Veteran is seeking a higher rating for his service-connected radiculopathy of the right lower extremity (right leg numbness).

The Board found that the Veteran's sciatica of the left leg did not manifest during service and was not aggravated by service. The hearing loss disability has been rated as Level I in both ears, which does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has not manifested with ankylosis or range of motion on forward flexion of less than 30 degrees. She was granted a 20 percent rating for post-operative residuals of L5-S1 decompression and fusion, mechanical low back pain.,Prior to November 18, 2009, the Veteran's lumbar radiculopathy of the right lower extremity more nearly approximated moderate incomplete paralysis. She was granted a 20 percent rating for this condition starting from August 16, 2012.,From November 18, 2009 to August 15, 2012, she was granted a 20 percent rating for lumbar radiculopathy of the left lower extremity. She was also granted TDIU effective June 1, 2009.,The Veteran's unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was found as of February 2, 2009.

The Veteran's initial ratings for his service-connected disabilities have been granted and are in effect since the date of claim. The Board is remanding to obtain updated medical evidence regarding the current severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining STRs from Langley AFB and the Philippines. The claims for higher initial ratings are inextricably intertwined with the earlier effective date claim.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is not service connected as secondary to his service-connected lumbar fusion.,Service connection for postoperative suprapubic hernia was granted with an effective date of October 23, 1987.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for right lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy, finding that it is caused by his service-connected lumbosacral strain.