Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Board denied an increased rating for PTSD and thoracolumbar spine disability, but granted a 40% evaluation for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy. The claim for TDIU was remanded.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for left lumbar radiculopathy, finding the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his back disability and left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, as the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 20 percent and 10 percent respectively.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates, service connection for radiculopathy, and increased ratings, but granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from January 1, 2020.

The Board granted an earlier effective date of November 29, 2010, for the award of service connection for left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy.

The Board dismissed several appeals related to disability ratings and denied a higher rating for tension headaches, as well as an earlier effective date for DEA benefits.

The Board remands the issues of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for right lower extremity radiculopathy and a lumbar spine disability due to duty to assist errors that occurred prior to the December 2023 Board decision.

The Veteran's effective date for TDIU and DEA benefits was granted as of May 6, 2019, but no earlier. The claims for increased ratings for femoral and sciatic radiculopathy were denied.

The Board granted service connection for right upper extremity, left upper extremity, right lower extremity, and left lower extremity radiculopathy associated with cervical spine degenerative disc disease (DDD) and lumbosacral strain. The appeal was denied for facial scars, increased ratings for cervical spine DDD with degenerative arthritis, lumbosacral strain, left knee meniscal and anterior cruciate ligament tear with chondrosis, limited flexion, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board granted earlier effective dates for left and right upper extremity radiculopathy, but denied an earlier effective date for persistent depressive disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or housebound status, as there was no evidence that his service-connected disabilities required regular assistance in daily activities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for service connection for a cervical spine disorder and right upper extremity radiculopathy, as there was no new and material evidence received within one year of the October 2018 rating decision.

The Board denied service connection for chronic hip, back, neck, and left lower extremity radiculopathy disorders as they were not shown to be causally or etiologically related to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Board granted an initial 20 percent disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, effective from October 2023.

The Board granted an effective date of January 26, 2016, for service connection for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board granted service connection for unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder with alcohol use disorder, moderate, but denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for left foot first metatarsophalangeal joint degenerative arthritis. The claims for service connection for PTSD, sleep apnea, cervical spine disorder, right upper extremity radiculopathy, left upper extremity radiculopathy, right wrist disorder and left wrist disorder were remanded.

The Board granted eligibility for direct payment of fees from past due benefits awarded in the portion of a February 2024 rating decision granting an increased right shoulder disability rating and service connection for a neck disorder, but denied such eligibility for tinnitus and right upper extremity radiculopathy.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for a TDIU and dismissed the proposal to combine service connection for patellofemoral syndrome, right knee limitation of extension with residuals of right knee total arthroplasty.

The Board granted an effective date of November 4, 2020, for the assignment of a 20 percent rating for left lower extremity (LLE) radiculopathy and March 24, 2021, for the right lower extremity (RLE) radiculopathy.

The Board remands the claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for left and right upper extremity radiculopathy due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.