Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The veteran's PTSD rating was increased to 70% from December 7, 2009 to April 29, 2021. The effective date for DEA eligibility was granted as of January 28, 2021. However, the request for an earlier effective date for SMC and a higher level of SMC were denied.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for higher disability ratings due to inadequate VA examinations. The veteran will receive new exams that consider his reported flare-ups.

The veteran's disability ratings for low back strain and radiculopathy were restored to previous levels, but the issues of higher ratings and total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) were remanded.

The Board granted the Veteran's motion to revise or reverse on the basis of CUE a December 2016 rating decision, entitling the Veteran to an initial rating of 20 percent for each of the claimed conditions.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection of multiple conditions, including hip tendinitis, shoulder strain, upper extremity radiculopathy, cervical strain, and lumbosacral strain. The VA examinations were deemed inadequate, and further evaluations are required.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for TDIU based on a single service-connected disability and SMC at the housebound rate, finding that his PTSD alone did not render him unemployable.

The appeal for service connection for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve is dismissed as the benefits sought have been granted.

The Board granted service connection for a cervical spine disability, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and right upper extremity radiculopathy based on the Veteran's in-service injury and current symptoms.

The Veteran's disability ratings for lumbar spine strain with degenerative arthritis and radiculopathy were restored to previous levels. The issue of service connection for headaches and potential increased evaluations are remanded.

The veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are rated at 50% effective October 1, 2017. The veteran is also granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The veteran's appeal was dismissed because the veteran withdrew it before a decision was made.

The Board remanded the claims for service connection of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and an increased rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy due to inadequate examinations.

The Board denied the veteran's appeal for a higher rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy, concluding that the symptoms were no more than moderate in severity.

The veteran's request for a higher rating for lumbar spine disability was denied, but service connection for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity was granted.

The veteran was granted a separate 10 percent disability rating for right knee limitation of flexion. All other issues were denied.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection of right and left lower extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran will undergo a new VA examination to determine if these conditions are secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The veteran's increased rating for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy was granted at 20 percent. The claim for a compensable rating for restless leg syndrome was denied.

The appeals regarding the disability ratings for PTSD, IVDS, and higher initial ratings for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy were dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed because the Veteran requested to withdraw the appeal.

The Board reinstated the 40 percent rating for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine and radiculopathy of right lower extremity. It also granted a 40 percent rating for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity and effective dates of June 27, 2018, for TDIU and DEA.