Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right leg disorders are not service-connected, as all reported symptoms and diagnoses are attributable to his already-service connected disabilities. The left leg disorder is also considered service-connected based on direct evidence.

The Veteran's cervical radiculopathy is found to be secondary to his service-connected cervical spondylosis, and the claim for carpal tunnel syndrome as secondary to cervical spondylosis is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected low back disorder was granted a rating of 20 percent prior to August 24, 2010 and increased to 30 percent thereafter. The right knee and left knee disorders were each granted a rating of 10 percent initially, with the left knee receiving an additional 10 percent for instability starting from August 24, 2010. The service-connected diabetic peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities was also granted initial ratings of 10 percent prior to August 24, 2010 and increased to 20 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease at L5-S1 with a bulging disc is productive of orthopedic impairment and neurological symptoms, including erectile dysfunction, bowel incontinence, bladder incontinence, and right shoulder AC joint separation. The claims for increased ratings and secondary service connection are granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from attending to the needs of nature, caring for himself, and/or protecting himself from the hazards of his environment. The Board finds that he is in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person.

The Veteran's cervical spine condition and radiculopathy were not incurred in service or due to a service-connected disability, thus the claims for service connection are denied.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU and an extra-schedular rating for his low back disability was denied. The low back disability is rated at 40% since May 27, 2010.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left upper extremity is manifested by mild pain and weakness, and is not productive of more than moderate impairment. The criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent have not been met.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by her representative prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of secondary service connection for his cervical spine and left upper extremity conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with history of sciatic nerve injury. The RO must also consider whether separately evaluating the orthopedic and neurological components would warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further review due to inadequate reasons and bases in its previous decision regarding a rating in excess of 20 percent for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity. The Veteran is to be provided with an additional VA neurological examination, and his claim will be readjudicated.

The Veteran's headaches are presumed to have been incurred in service. His bilateral knee disorders, cervical spine disorder and right leg sciatica are not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for examinations to determine if the Veteran now suffers from a low back disability or a sciatic nerve disability, and whether these disabilities are related to his military service.

The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy has been manifested by moderate sensory symptoms approximating no worse than moderate incomplete paralysis of the external popliteal nerve. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain and retain substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back conditions are not related to his military service and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral hip, knee, and left ankle disabilities were not found to be related to his service-connected cervical spine and thoracic spine disability.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is rated at 10 percent prior to June 29, 2010. The Board found that this level of disability does not warrant a higher rating based on the evidence from this period.

The Veteran's combined rating for his service-connected disabilities is 40%, which does not meet the criteria for TDIU even when considering their common etiology.