Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's right and left lower extremity radiculopathies are currently rated at 20 percent each, with no higher ratings being granted.,An earlier effective date prior to March 6, 2020, for service connection of bilateral lower extremities radiculopathy is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, thus granting TDIU.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for left upper extremity radiculopathy is being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The case will be reviewed to determine if separate ratings for neuritis or neuralgia are appropriate.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions, including hearing loss of the left ear, sleep apnea, and respiratory insufficiency (dyspnea), among others. The Veteran's claims were not supported by sufficient evidence to establish a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and earlier effective dates was denied.,An increased rating of 60 percent, but no higher, for right lower extremity radiculopathy involving the sciatic nerve is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for right and left leg sciatic peripheral neuropathy, as well as service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's appeal is currently in process.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral degenerative disc disease with intervertebral disc syndrome and radiculopathies aided in his death from traumatic asphyxia caused by a fence falling on him. Service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is being remanded for a VA examination to assess the severity of his condition.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for left and right lower extremity lumbosacral radiculopathy have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the appeal process.

The Veteran's service-connected DDD thoracolumbar spine and associated radiculopathies of the lower extremities have caused a loss of use of both lower extremities, necessitating regular and constant use of assistive devices such as canes. As a result, eligibility for specially adapted housing has been granted.

The Board has found that there is a pre-decisional duty to assist error in the lumbar spine and radiculopathy claims, requiring remand. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the increased disability ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational background, as he had administrative experience in the military.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his right and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the superficial peroneal nerve is denied. A separate 10 percent rating is granted for left lower extremity radiculopathy of the superficial peroneal nerve, but a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for the grants of service connection for IVDS, functional diarrhea, face scars, LLE radiculopathy associated with lumbar intervertebral disc syndrome (LLE radiculopathy), and hypertension. The Veteran's claims were based on a March 1, 2024, intent to file form.,The Board also denied an earlier effective date for eligibility for Dependents' Assistance under 38 USC chapter 35 (DEA).

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine and right hip disabilities, but has remanded the remaining claims due to insufficient evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and initial rating, finding no CUE in the April 2016 decision.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether his current condition is related to service. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is granted as service connected. The claims for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, secondary to a lumbosacral strain, prior to June 5, 2025, are denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability and secondary service connection for RLE radiculopathy, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his in-service injuries.

The Board denied entitlement to an effective date prior to September 25, 2024, for the grant of service connection and a 10 percent rating for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy involving the femoral nerve.