Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The veteran's PTSD with TBI was rated at 100% from August 1, 2022 to March 19, 2023. The veteran also qualifies for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound criteria.

The veteran's service connection for headache disability is granted. An earlier effective date of September 28, 2021, for a 20 percent rating for lumbar spine IVDS is also granted. All other issues are denied.

The veteran is granted special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(l) from March 25, 2016, but the claim for entitlement to special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(t) is remanded.

The veteran's claims for service connection for several conditions were denied. However, the veteran was granted an initial 10 percent rating for Bell's palsy and an initial 50 percent rating for migraine headaches and sleep apnea. Several other issues were remanded for further review.

The Board remanded all issues to obtain missing VA treatment records and translate submitted evidence.

The appeal is remanded to obtain complete federal records needed to adjudicate the claim. The Board needs more information about when the misconduct occurred to determine if the veteran's periods of service can be separated for VA benefit purposes.

The Board granted service connection for the veteran's bilateral lumbar radiculopathy of the lower extremities and right ankle strain, both secondary to other service-connected conditions.

The Board remanded the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability and denied all other issues.

The Board dismissed claims for asthma, kidney cancer, chest pains, and rhinitis due to lack of adjudication. Claims for cervical DDD, shoulder strains, hip conditions, and foot conditions were remanded for further evaluation.

The Board remanded the veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for left lumbar radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy. The Board found that the VA medical opinions were inadequate and required further review.

The veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating was denied, but the issue of total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was remanded.

The Board granted separate 20 percent ratings for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy from April 11, 2011, and TDIU from November 24, 2011, while dismissing claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine strain with degenerative disc and joint disease and right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The veteran's appeal for a higher rating was dismissed because she withdrew her claim.

The case is remanded for additional development to ensure compliance with prior remand instructions.

The appeals for rating reductions were dismissed because they were not final decisions. The claim for GERD service connection was remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Board denied service connection for sinusitis, diarrhea, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, right ankle disorder, left ankle disorder, sciatic nerve pain in the right leg, and sciatic nerve pain in the left leg. The claim for erectile dysfunction was remanded.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) prior to September 26, 2020. The decision was based on evidence showing the veteran could perform sedentary work and was gainfully employed until October 31, 2014.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for higher disability ratings due to inadequate VA examinations. The veteran will receive new evaluations.

The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to the veteran's current service-connected disabilities and resulting obesity. The decision was based on medical evidence showing a causal link between the veteran's OSA, obesity, and service-connected conditions.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve in both lower extremities. The Board found that a pre-decisional duty to assist error occurred because the VA examiner did not consider the ameliorative effects of medication.