Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's lumbar radiculopathy, right and left lower extremities are rated at 40 percent disabling since January 28, 2021. The appeal for increased ratings is granted for both legs.

The Board denied service connection for right lower extremity and left lower extremity radiculopathy due to a lack of current diagnosis or functional impairment related to the Veteran's reported symptoms.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the ratings in excess of 20 percent for RLE radiculopathy, sciatic nerve; RLE radiculopathy, femoral nerve; and LLE radiculopathy, femoral nerve.

The Board granted the Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected chronic lumbar spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy in a May 2024 rating decision. The appellant is eligible to attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded as a result of this decision.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, migraines, ED, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, increased rating for IVDS, SMC for loss of use of a creative organ, and DEA benefits are all granted with an effective date of July 26, 2023.,The Veteran's service connection claims were timely filed within one year of the intent to file received on July 26, 2023.

The Board has granted service connection for multilevel facet degenerative changes of the lumbar spine and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to this condition. The decision is based on credible evidence showing that the Veteran's current back disability developed due to injuries sustained during his military service, and that his radiculopathy is a result of nerve irritation from his now-service-connected back disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require him to rely on his wife for assistance with daily activities, including dressing, bathing, and going up and down stairs. The Board found that the evidence is in balance and granted SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal of his right ear hearing loss claim is dismissed. His claims for tinnitus, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and several other conditions are granted. The remaining claims are remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathies, finding that the evidence does not support a rating higher than 10 percent.

The appeal for RLE radiculopathy and bilateral hearing loss is dismissed.,The appeals for a rating in excess of 30 percent for right knee arthroplasty and service connection for left knee disorder are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The Veteran's TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for new VA examinations to determine the current severity of his service-connected cervical spine, lumbar spine, left shoulder, and bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy disabilities. The examination results will be used to determine if increased ratings are warranted.

The Veteran is granted entitlement to Chapter 33 educational assistance benefits at the 100 percent rate due to his service-connected back disability and discharge from active duty.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sinus disability, allergic rhinitis, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy. The evidence does not support a finding of current disabilities or an in-service occurrence.

The Board denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for the Veteran's lumbar spine herniated disc, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and left foot drop due to a delay in VA providing timely neurosurgical care.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the spine and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathies have been restored with a rating of 70 percent effective April 1, 2020.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar degenerative arthritis, spinal stenosis, and foraminal stenosis, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right ankle strain are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The VA will obtain a new opinion from an appropriate clinician to address the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not result in loss of use of the bilateral lower extremities, and therefore he is not entitled to special monthly compensation based on such.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate notice and an inadequately supported medical opinion, requiring further review of eligibility for PCAFC benefits based on need for personal care services related to service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claim of service connection for sciatica of the right lower extremity, as it did not begin during his active service or be related to an in-service event, injury, or disease.