Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete VA treatment records and inadequate medical opinions. The issues of cervical spine, right hand, left hand, sciatica (right and left lower extremities), and talofibular ligament strain of the right ankle will be addressed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, diagnosed as lumbar radiculopathy, is not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing a chronic disability in service or within one year after separation, and no established link between current symptoms and service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on loss of use of his left foot, finding that there is no effective function remaining other than what would be equally well served by an amputation with a suitable prosthetic appliance.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for thoracolumbar strain with DDD was granted at a 40 percent level, effective September 14, 2016. The claim for an increased rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy associated with the thoracolumbar strain with DDD remains denied.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is currently rated at 10 percent effective December 10, 2019. The appeal for a higher rating remains denied.,For the period after August 18, 2022, the Veteran's neck disability is not entitled to a rating higher than 30 percent.,The Veteran's right upper extremity radiculopathy is currently rated at 40 percent. The appeal for a higher rating remains denied.

The Veteran's low back disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy have been granted a 20% rating each, effective from March 2, 2018.

The Board denied service connection for vertigo and otalgia, finding no current diagnosis of these conditions during or approximate to the pendency of the claim. The Veteran's in-service treatment records did not show diagnoses, complaints, or symptoms of vertigo or otalgia.,The Board also denied service connection for right lower extremity neuropathy (sciatic nerve), concluding that there is no evidence linking this condition to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for lumbar strain, right shoulder strain, and right knee strain due to incomplete VA examinations. The Veteran's radiculopathy of the lower extremities are also being remanded as they are inextricably intertwined with the other claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a thoracolumbar strain is reopened, and his claim for service connection for an upper back condition (cervical and lumbar spine) is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to inadequate examinations and incomplete medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the issue of entitlement to a TDIU on an extraschedular basis from August 12, 2011 to February 24, 2022 due to insufficient evidence in the record regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone are sufficient to produce unemployability.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, left and right sciatic peripheral neuropathy are rated at 40 percent for the period from December 10, 2019, and thereafter. The Veteran also receives a TDIU.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to incomplete records and the need for further development, including obtaining additional medical opinions.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity radiculopathy, migraine headaches, bladder cancer, hydronephrosis, acne, GERD, a bilateral knee disability, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and erectile dysfunction (ED).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic pain syndrome is related to his service-connected disabilities and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar degenerative joint disease and related sciatic and femoral radiculopathies have been granted increased ratings from May 21, 2014 to July 7, 2022. The effective dates for the grants of service connection are also noted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of bilateral lower extremity radiculopathies and entitlement to TDIU prior to February 15, 2018 are remanded due to inadequate retrospective medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for TDIU on an extraschedular basis from January 1, 2017 due to his service-connected disabilities. The AOJ is required to readjudicate the claims and determine whether an extraschedular TDIU and referral to the Director of Compensation Service are warranted.

The Veteran's back disability is granted a 20 percent rating, but no greater, for the entire period on appeal.,The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is remanded as there are issues with the current ratings.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected conditions caused or aggravated her sleep apnea.