Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for multiple disabilities, including cervical spine, radiculopathy, foot and ankle conditions, hypertension, migraines, skin issues, bone pain, and kidney problems, as the evidence did not support a finding of an in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus and left upper extremity radiculopathy, but denied service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability, chronic sinusitis, left great toe ingrown toenail disability, right knee disability, left ankle disability, right ankle disability, and chronic fatigue syndrome. The Board also denied increased ratings for left shoulder strain, right shoulder degenerative arthritis, left knee anterior cruciate ligament tear, and acute intermittent tension.

The Board granted a 20 percent rating for lumbosacral strain but denied ratings in excess of 10 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy and service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, tension headaches, testicular torsion, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board granted the restoration of a 30 percent disability rating for left hand, third finger DIP, radiculopathy effective December 1, 2020.

The Board remands the claims for further development to obtain an examination that addresses the severity of the Veteran's back condition and radiculopathy, as well as entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities resulted in the need for aid and attendance as he requires care or assistance on a regular basis to feed himself, keep himself clean and presentable and protect himself from the hazards or dangers inherent in his daily environment.

The Board denied a rating higher than 10 percent for right lower extremity (RLE) sciatic nerve paralysis (RLE radiculopathy) from November 20, 2020.

The Board remands the claims for a higher rating for lumbar degenerative disc disease and service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy, as secondary to the back disability.

The Board denied an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy and an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy.

The Board granted a 20 percent rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy from June 7, 2018.

The Board granted a 60 percent rating for the Veteran's right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that the disability picture more nearly approximates severe incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected Parkinsonism, as it meets the criteria for such benefits.

The Veteran's service connection for right foot arthritis, degenerative (claimed as tendonitis), was granted for the period prior to July 29, 2023. Other claims were remanded.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for the grant of a higher evaluation and service connection for lower extremity radiculopathy associated with the Veteran's back disability. A 20 percent rating was granted for right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy, effective August 3, 2021.

The Board remands the issues of entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for mechanical low back pain and lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease L3-4, as well as service connection claims for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, due to insufficient evidence regarding the impact of medication on disability symptoms and inadequate medical opinions addressing causation and aggravation separately.

The Veteran's service-connected radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, and he is entitled to a total disability evaluation due to individual unemployability (TDIU) and special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound status.

The Veteran's left lower extremity (LLE) radiculopathy was granted a rating of 40 percent, but no higher, from January 8, 2020, onwards.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from April 29, 2018.

The Board remands the claims for service connection and effective dates due to insufficient evidence of herbicide exposure, and issues related to ratings and TDIU.

The Board granted service connection for a right leg condition distinct from the already service-connected right lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that there is sufficient evidence to establish that the Veteran has meralgia paresthetica which has been aggravated by the right lower extremity radiculopathy. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD was denied as the evidence does not support a diagnosis of a separately diagnosable condition.