Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Board remands the matter for a new VA examination to determine whether the Veteran has a diagnosis of radiculopathy of the right lower extremity and, if so, whether it is caused or aggravated by his service-connected low back disability.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection and increased ratings, as well as a reopened claim for tinnitus, among other issues.

The appeal is dismissed as the Veteran did not express disagreement with any issue decided by the AOJ within the prior year.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and denied service connection for additional claimed conditions.

The Board denied a rating greater than 30 percent for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder but granted increased ratings of 20 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy and bilateral dry eye syndrome.

The Board remands the matter for additional evidence and an addendum VA examination to address the severity of the sciatic nerve and whether a separate rating is warranted.

The Board granted an initial rating of 40 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy, sciatic nerve and denied ratings in excess of 40 percent for lumbosacral strain with intervertebral disc syndrome and bulging disc of the lumbar spine (lumbosacral strain with IVDS) and a disability rating higher than 70 percent for adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood.

The Board remands the claims for an earlier effective date and a higher rating for right upper extremity radiculopathy - middle radicular group to obtain a medical opinion on when symptoms of cervical radiculopathy first manifested.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection for lumbar strain, cervical strain, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and left upper extremity radiculopathy.

The Board granted the restoration of a 40 percent rating for the Veteran's spine disability, effective July 13, 2021, and denied increased ratings for other conditions.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for asthma, degenerative joint disease, right lower extremity radiculopathy, dermatitis, and hearing loss due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error in not obtaining all relevant service records.

The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and bilateral hearing loss, while denying service connection for the residuals of a right-hand cyst removal. The claims for other conditions were remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lumbar spine, neck, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathies, have resulted in a need for regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting special monthly compensation at the (l) rate.

The appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was dismissed, while the claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities were granted. The other claims were remanded.

The Board granted a 40 percent rating for thoracolumbar strain and right lower extremity radiculopathy, but denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board denied service connection for left lower extremity sciatica and remanded the claims for vertigo and right lower extremity sciatica to obtain additional evidence.

The Board granted a 40 percent rating for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and an effective date of January 11, 2021, for service connection of right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board granted service connection for a left elbow condition, radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve in both lower extremities as secondary to lumbosacral strain, and increased ratings for lumbosacral strain and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The Board remands the claims for service connection for various conditions, including left knee pain, right knee pain, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, diabetes mellitus, degenerative arthritis of the spine, and radiculopathy of both lower extremities, due to missing records and a need for additional evidence.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, right and left hip disabilities, and a compensable rating for a left tibial nerve injury due to insufficient evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's active military service.