Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and diabetes mellitus type 2 evaluations have been dismissed due to the appellant's withdrawal of these issues.,Higher ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity (sciatic nerve), right lower extremity (sciatic nerve), left lower extremity (femoral nerve) associated with herbicide exposure, and right lower extremity (femoral nerve) associated with herbicide exposure have been granted. The Veteran's status post left ankle fracture evaluation has been denied.,The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a TDIU as his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's lumbar strain and spinal stenosis are rated at 40 percent prior to October 1, 2013. The rating for radiculopathy of the lower extremities is granted at a separate 10 percent from February 22, 2013. Right ankle arthritis and scars are each rated at 20 percent beginning April 17, 2023. Hypertension is rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy is granted as secondary to his service-connected low back disability. The claim for right ear hearing loss remains denied.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 20 percent for service-connected lumbar degenerative disc disease with myelopathy was dismissed. The claim for TDIU based on service-connected disabilities is granted, but the earlier effective date claim is remanded.

The Board has denied service connection for hepatitis C, thoracolumbar spine disorder, left and right lower extremity sciatica, and a psychiatric disorder. The case is being remanded to obtain a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric condition is related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment from December 10, 2010, to December 20, 2020. The Board granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis for this period.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete records, including missing service treatment records. The Veteran is asked to provide releases for private medical records and complete VA Forms 21-4142.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on four service-connected conditions have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded the claim of entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a neurologic disability of the bilateral lower extremities, including sciatica and ilioinguinal neuropathy, due to or aggravated by her service-connected lumbosacral strain. The AOJ is instructed to obtain medical opinions addressing these issues.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy is granted at 40 percent for the period prior to February 3, 2022, and 20 percent thereafter under Diagnostic Codes 8520 and 8526. The TDIU issue remains in appellate status.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to new VA treatment records and ongoing treatment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a left elbow disorder is denied, and his increased disability rating for LLE radiculopathy is granted at 40% effective July 26, 2023.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition, finding that there is no medical evidence linking his current back condition to his active duty service. The right and left knee conditions have been remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic thoracolumbar pain, segmental and somatic dysfunction of the lumbar and thoracic region, ankylosing spondylitis of the cervical spine, neuralgia sciatic nerve, and neuralgia of all three radicular groups.,The Board also remanded the issue of a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for stress fracture right inferior pubic ramus.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient rationale in the December 2021 VA examination and opinion regarding the impairment of peripheral nerves in the Veteran's right lower extremity, specifically the sciatic nerve.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the claims related to radiculopathy of the upper extremities, ankle sprains, and cervical pain with degenerative arthritis. The Board dismissed these appeals as a result.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lower back disability, radiculopathies, and hearing loss, have rendered him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment since July 28, 2022. The Board has granted TDIU based on the combined effect of these conditions.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection for radiculopathy of the right upper extremity as the Veteran withdrew their request for a hearing and the issue is not under consideration.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder, finding that his current condition is due to injuries sustained during active duty service and continuing since.

The Veteran's initial ratings for left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy of the sciatic nerve, as well as his Charcot's arthropathy of the right foot, have been granted. He also received separate ratings for partial amputation of the right foot 4th digit and metatarsal head resections due to chronic ulcers in the right feet (2nd and 3rd digits).