Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation throughout the appeal period, and therefore, his claim for TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder, lumbar strain with degenerative arthritis, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy contributed to his death from congestive heart failure. The claim for DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is denied as the Veteran did not meet the criteria of having a combined rating of at least one year immediately preceding death.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, and the Board dismissed it.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied, and the RO has granted service connection for PTSD, degenerative arthritis with degenerative disc disease and intervertebral disc syndrome, left knee strain (claimed as left knee injury), left lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral pes planus, and asthma effective July 11, 2023.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for a left shoulder disability is remanded.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability and radiculopathy of both upper extremities have been granted increased ratings, with the left upper extremity receiving a higher rating due to more severe symptoms.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for various rating and service connection claims due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability is granted as new and relevant evidence has been received, including VA medical records and testimony from the November 2024 Board hearing. The Board finds that his current back disability is related to his in-service injury.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on three conditions (lumbosacral strain residuals, right sciatica nerve pain, and left sciatica nerve pain) has been dismissed due to the withdrawal of the appeal by his representative.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity disabilities, including sciatica, are granted on a secondary basis to his service-connected back disability. The Board found that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran has been unable to secure or follow gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected right eye condition, RLE sciatica, LLE sciatica, lumbar strain, and atrial fibrillation have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted the TDIU claim.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inconsistencies in the VA examination findings and a need for further clarification regarding the Veteran's right upper extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for various conditions, including allergic rhinitis, sleep apnea, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, lower extremity radiculopathies, and left lower extremity radiculopathy with foot drop. The issues include determining if these conditions are related to service or other factors.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and need for additional examination.

The Veteran's bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy and mitral stenosis with annular thickening are granted effective June 30, 2013. The earlier effective dates for the neck disability and increased evaluations for upper extremity radiculopathy are also granted.

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

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy, finding that the Veteran's disabilities are related to his service-connected cervical spine disability. The reduction of the evaluation of degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine from 20 percent to 10 percent effective January 15, 2020, is found to be improper and restored.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, so the Board dismissed it.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus type II and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran will be scheduled for VA examinations to assess the severity of their conditions during the appeal period.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding her degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome.