Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Board granted service connection for emphysema and sciatica of the right lower extremity, denied a compensable rating for a right shoulder surgical scar, denied an increased rating for PTSD, granted TDIU from May 23, 2024, and remanded a claim for a higher rating for right shoulder strain.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection for bilateral femoral radiculopathy, bilateral sciatica lower leg, and low back condition due to duplicative filings under the Appeals Modernization Act.

The Board remands the matter to correct pre-decisional errors, specifically for a more recent VA examination focused on the Veteran's peripheral nerves.

The Board granted an initial rating of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease (DDD)/intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) prior to July 2, 2019, but denied a higher rating for the entire period. The other claims for increased ratings were denied.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy and a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee joint osteoarthritis status-post ACL tear and medial meniscus tear surgical repair, but granted separate 10 percent ratings for right knee instability and symptomatic cartilage removal.

The Board denied various claims for increased ratings and effective dates, including those for tinnitus, wrist scars, lower extremity radiculopathy, bulimia nervosa, psychiatric disability, benign neutropenia, herpes II, GERD, plantar fasciitis, and TDIU.

The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board granted initial disability ratings of 70 percent for major depressive disorder, and 20 percent each for left and right lower extremity neuropathy/radiculopathy. The lumbar spine disability was denied a higher rating, and the effective dates for service connection were adjusted.

The Board granted service connection for Parkinson's disease and related conditions, including Bradykinesia, instability, dysphagia, dysarthria, tremors, facial paralysis, an acquired psychiatric disorder, bowel incontinence, bladder incontinence, and radiculopathy of all four extremities, based on presumptive service connection due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Board granted service connection for right knee degenerative joint disease, status post total knee arthroscopy, and left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, all of which were found to be caused by the Veteran's service-connected conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for service-connected allergic rhinitis and remanded the claim for service connection for cervical strain.

The Board remands the claims for increased disability evaluations for right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve to obtain a new VA examination and medical opinion that addresses the severity and impact of the Veteran's condition from October 15, 2009 through the present.

The appeal is remanded to obtain new VA examinations and/or retrospective medical opinions, as the previous ones were based on inadequate evidence.

The Board granted service connection for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, but denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy. The Veteran was also awarded a 40 percent rating for his radiculopathy.

The Board granted service connection for sinusitis under the PACT Act and remanded other claims for further development.

The Board granted an increased rating of 40 percent for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that the evidence more closely approximates moderately severe incomplete paralysis.

The Board denied higher ratings for the Veteran's knee, cervical spine, upper extremity radiculopathy, lumbosacral strain, and left ankle disabilities but granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board granted ratings for lumbosacral strain and left lower extremity radiculopathy, dismissed the appeal for a rating in excess of 50 percent for headaches, and granted service connection for urinary incontinence and special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board granted a 40 percent rating for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, denied an increased rating for the low back disability, granted a 50 percent rating for depression, and granted TDIU. The appeal was partially successful with some issues being granted while others were denied.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the claims for a low back condition, sciatic nerve condition of the bilateral lower extremities (BLE), and an acquired psychiatric condition, to include PTSD, GAD, and PDD.