Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The veteran's claims for higher ratings for left knee joint osteoarthritis limitation of extension and right knee lateral instability were denied. The veteran was granted an initial rating of 20 percent for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy from February 11, 2021, to October 18, 2022, but the claims for higher ratings after that date were denied.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for right upper extremity radiculopathy/carpal tunnel syndrome was denied. The veteran's claim for a 30 percent rating for left upper extremity radiculopathy/carpal tunnel syndrome was granted.

The veteran's low back disability rating was restored to 40% from February 17, 2022. However, the ratings for radiculopathy in both lower extremities remained at 20%.

Service connection for the veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability, including degenerative disc disease and arthritis with radiculopathy, is granted effective October 27, 2014.

The Board dismissed some claims for increased ratings and denied others. It granted a rating of 40 percent for right lower extremity radiculopathy and TDIU from February 5, 2021, through June 9, 2021. The Board also remanded claims for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for fecal urgency/incontinence and SMC based upon the need for aid and attendance/housebound.

The veteran's claims for higher evaluations for left knee instability, degenerative arthritis of the left knee, and sesamoiditis of the right foot were denied. However, the veteran's evaluation for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity was restored to 20 percent effective February 1, 2022.

The Board remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to inadequate examinations and missing records.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a higher rating for neck disability and service connection for left and right upper extremity radiculopathy.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder and physical conditions, prevent him from obtaining or maintaining a substantially gainful occupation. Therefore, the veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for lumbosacral strain and cervical strain were denied. However, the veteran was granted an effective date of February 8, 2021, for service connection for various radiculopathy conditions.

The Board granted service connection for the veteran's neck disability, tinnitus, right and left upper extremity radiculopathy, and headaches. The decision was based on an approximate balance of evidence.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and pseudofolliculitis barbae were denied. The claim for restoration of the 20 percent rating for hemorrhoids was granted. Claims for cervical degenerative arthritis and left upper extremity radiculopathy were remanded.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for several conditions were denied, but they were granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's service connection for low back disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy was granted, effective June 20, 2016.

Service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to a service-connected condition is granted. The claims for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity and back condition are remanded.

The Board remanded the claim for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) because it needs more evidence to decide if OSA is related to the veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, bilateral sciatic nerve disorder, Gulf War syndrome, and vertigo due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to military service.

The Board granted service connection for the veteran's neck disability, including cervical radiculopathy, finding it related to service.

The veteran's claim for service connection for radiculopathy of both lower extremities, secondary to a service-connected lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease, was granted. The effective date is July 19, 2022.

The Board remanded the claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance and/or housebound status. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities need to be reassessed.