Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for migraine headaches, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and sleep apnea due to potential issues with the evaluations and etiology of these conditions. The Veteran is also being asked to provide information about any additional healthcare providers who have provided treatment.

The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy/neuritis is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds no evidence of a higher rating. The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder has been temporarily rated at 100 percent from September 26, 2018 to January 31, 2019.,The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder is currently rated at 70 percent prior to September 26, 2018, and the Board finds no evidence of a higher rating. The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder has been temporarily rated at 100 percent from September 26, 2018 to January 31, 2019.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea has been reopened due to new and material evidence. The claims for increased ratings for bilateral spondylosis with lower extremity radiculopathy and TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and sciatic nerve radiculopathy of the left lower extremity were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on incapacitating episodes or under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include depression as secondary to his service-connected disabilities, has been granted. The Veteran is also granted a rating in excess of 20 percent prior to July 25, 2017 and in excess of 30 percent from July 25, 2017 and thereafter for a cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of service connection for high blood pressure has been granted. His claims for increased ratings for IVDS and associated radiculopathy of the lower extremities remain pending and are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for back disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran must be provided with a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, effective May 1, 2018. An initial 20 percent rating is also granted for surgical scars. The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, right knee strain status post meniscectomy, left knee strain status post patellar realignment, and GERD with IBS are all remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him so helpless as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting entitlement to SMC at the aid and attendance rate.

The Veteran's initial ratings for back disability, left and right sciatic nerve radiculopathy, and right femoral nerve radiculopathy have been denied as they do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability has been reopened and will be reconsidered on the merits.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for right upper extremity radiculopathy, cervical spine disability, and sleep disorder have been remanded due to insufficient evidence addressing their etiology.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability has been reopened and will be reconsidered on the merits.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for a rating in excess of 10 percent for right leg radiculopathy and for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to the withdrawal by the appellant and his attorney.

The Board has decided to remand several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including earlier effective dates and increased evaluations for his back disability and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, as well as service connection for obstructive sleep apnea. The AOJ is instructed to review the additional evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran is granted a schedular TDIU effective July 18, 2016. The Board also referred the claim to the Director for extraschedular consideration prior to that date.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy is being remanded due to the need for further development.,Service connection has been granted for chronic headaches, but left lower extremity radiculopathy was previously granted during this appeal.

The Board has withdrawn the appeal of service connection for left ear hearing loss. Service connection is granted for lumbar spine condition, but the claims for headaches, IBS, a left knee condition, and bilateral lower extremity sciatic nerve pain are remanded due to procedural issues.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability and right knee disability have been shown to cause his radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, which is now granted. Additionally, his acquired psychiatric disorder has also been found to be caused by his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathies are being remanded for further examination to determine the current nature and severity of his disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus had its onset in service and affords him the benefit of doubt, granting service connection for tinnitus. The remaining issues are remanded due to new evidence being added to the claims file.

The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy and left knee disorder have been granted service connection. The Veteran is assigned a 20% rating for his left lower extremity radiculopathy, effective from the date of the decision.