Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or being housebound.

The Veteran's service-connected sciatic radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities are currently rated at 10 percent each. The Board finds that a separate evaluation of 10 percent, but not greater, is warranted for right sciatic radiculopathy.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection were denied as the original decisions are final and cannot be reopened without a claim of clear and unmistakable error (CUE).,The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection were denied as the original decisions are final and cannot be reopened without a claim of clear and unmistakable error (CUE).

The Board has granted service connection for multi-level degenerative disc disease with arthritis of the lumbar spine, left knee arthritis, chronic left ankle strain, and left L5 radiculopathy affecting the left leg. The lung disability claim is deferred pending completion of development.

The Veteran's ratings for his low back disability and associated pain and numbness of the left lower extremity were reduced from 60 to 20 percent, and from 10 to zero percent respectively. The decision is mixed as some issues are granted while others are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability is rated at 40 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's appeal for higher initial ratings for residuals of left hip surgery and left lower extremity paresthesia was denied. The evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent for either condition.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected herniated lumbar disc L4-L5, lumbar myositis, and L4 radiculopathy is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow for a statement of the case on his claim for service connection for a lumbosacral herniated nucleus pulposus. The hearing loss in the right ear issue will be addressed after a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease and sciatica symptoms is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records from various providers.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for dizziness, cramping, and difficulty walking and standing, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities have all been denied.,Special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance has been granted.

The VA has determined that the appellant's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and thus grants a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability with sciatica is not related to his service-connected pes planus and therefore denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss, right ankle disorder, right knee disorder, right hip disorder, and low back disorder (sciatica) have been denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his active service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for further development and consideration of new claims, including service connection for a depressive disorder and an increased evaluation for his low back disability. The case may be referred for extraschedular consideration if appropriate.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability warrants a 10 percent rating, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran also has been granted entitlement to a separate 10 percent rating for his left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including whether the Veteran's current cervical and degenerative joint disease are related to any federalized period of service in the West Virginia Air National Guard.

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with left lower extremity radiculopathy is currently rated at 60 percent, and her adjustment disorder with depressed mood associated with the same condition is rated at 50 percent. Both ratings are granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining SSA records related to his disability benefits.