Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's claimed spinal conditions are not service-connected as they are not related to his military service and do not qualify under the presumptive provisions for Persian Gulf War veterans.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right lower extremity radiculopathy due to outstanding private medical records and a need to provide adequate reasons or bases regarding the assignment of the effective date of the disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional clarification regarding his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy was rated at 20 percent prior to November 18, 2016 and remains at that rating.,The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy was initially rated at 40 percent effective December 6, 2021. The appeal period for this condition is from November 18, 2016 to December 6, 2021.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions meet the schedular prerequisite criteria for a TDIU, and her mental and physical disabilities have rendered her unable to obtain or maintain a substantially gainful course of employment. The Board has granted entitlement to TDIU from July 26, 2020.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to additional evidence received since the January 2021 Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal for a combined rating in excess of 50 percent for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and bilateral lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy prior to April 22, 2016. The claim is remanded for increased ratings for the bilateral knee disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examinations, including VA examinations of his PTSD, lumbar spine disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and right knee.

The Board has granted service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy and right foot metatarsalgia with post tibial tendonitis and Morton's neuroma. The hip disorder claim is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for lumbar spine DDD was denied. Effective February 15, 2013, the Veteran received service connection for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy with effective dates of that same date. The Veteran's TDIU claim from August 27, 2012, was granted.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for low back strain with degenerative arthritis to include intervertebral disc degeneration is denied. The reduction in ratings for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy from March 2, 2017 is void ab initio. Claims for TDIU are granted and dismissed as moot.

Your appeal has been dismissed because you requested to withdraw it before the decision was made.

The Board denied all claims for increased ratings for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, finding that the Veteran's symptoms more closely approximated mild to moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left knee disabilities, as well as his lumbar spine and lower extremity radiculopathy have been granted. The Veteran now receives a disability rating of 50 percent for each affected joint from September 9, 2020.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and development are not sufficient to make a determination on the claims for increased ratings for low back disability, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and TDIU. The Veteran's lay statements suggest functional equivalent of ankylosis during flare-ups or due to repetitive use. Therefore, another remand is required.

The Veteran's RLE radiculopathy is rated at 20 percent since February 26, 2019. The Board found that a higher rating was not warranted based on the severity of his symptoms and examination findings.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent, effective October 7, 2022. The Board also granted a TDIU prior to March 1, 2019.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for invertebral disc degeneration of the lumbosacral spine was denied. The claim for a 10 percent rating for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity from November 3, 2015, was granted. However, the claim for a higher rating for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity remained denied.

The Veteran's service-connected right lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral and sciatic nerves) is rated at 10% for the entire rating period, with no higher ratings granted. The appeal was denied as the disability picture did not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his severe peripheral neuropathy and vascular disease affecting his lower extremities, have resulted in a loss of use of both lower extremities. The Board has determined that the Veteran is eligible for specially adapted housing due to these conditions but not for special home adaptation or adaptive equipment.