Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable diagnostic code. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as her range of motion does not meet the criteria for an increased rating.,Both upper extremity radiculopathy disabilities are rated at 20 percent each, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable diagnostic codes. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as there is no evidence of more severe impairment in either arm.

The Veteran's claim for a temporary total evaluation due to treatment for his service-connected back disorder is remanded as the examinations are inadequate and further examination is required.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered her unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a TDIU effective November 2, 2017.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to outstanding VA and private treatment records not being associated with the claims file. The case will be readjudicated after obtaining these records.

The Veteran's service-connected radiculopathy of the right and left sciatic nerves, as well as the right and left anterior crural (femoral) nerves, are granted with initial evaluations in excess of those currently assigned. The appeal is denied for increased evaluations for lumbosacral degenerative disc disease and left knee chondromalacia.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for back condition, RLE radiculopathy, acquired psychiatric condition, and IBS due to additional development being needed. The Veteran's lay statements regarding the onset and continuity of his symptoms are not considered in the current medical opinion.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, including for increased ratings and entitlement to a total disability rating for individual unemployability.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The low back disability claim is related to an in-service injury, but the radiculopathy may be aggravated by the back disability.

The Veteran's right and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been granted service connection, but the RO did not award separate ratings for these conditions in April 1999. The effective date of service connection is set at August 21, 2018.

The Veteran's service connection for DMII and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities was granted effective March 9, 2018. The rating for DMII remains at 20%.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II was managed with insulin and a restricted diet, but did not require regulation of activities. The right and left sciatic neuropathy were each rated at 40 percent under Diagnostic Code 8520, while the right and left femoral neuropathy were each rated at 20 percent under Diagnostic Code 8526.,The Veteran's orthostatic hypotension was due to his service-connected bilateral lower extremity neuropathy.

The Veteran's right shoulder arthritis is granted service connection, while his left hip and right hip degenerative arthritis, neck condition, radiculopathy of the upper extremities, and left shoulder condition are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to obtain and follow a substantially gainful occupation, effective July 18, 2017.

The Veteran's service-connected left lower extremity radiculopathy and neuropathy of the left peroneal nerve have been granted. A 20% disability rating is assigned for the latter condition, effective from August 16, 2019.

The Veteran's SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance is granted, as he requires assistance with dressing and preparing meals due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's disability ratings for low back and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been restored to 40 percent effective June 1, 2016. The claim for a compensable rating for the low back scar is remanded.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected disabilities is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the nature and etiology of the disability, including whether it was caused or aggravated by any other service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral upper and lower extremity disabilities related to Parkinson's disease have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating than 20 percent for any of these conditions.,A TDIU has been granted, but no specific rating was assigned.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication due to issues regarding a TDIU and DEA benefits prior to August 20, 2014. The Veteran's attorney argues that consideration of a TDIU on the basis of a protected environment is warranted based on his self-employment status and income.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his back and left knee conditions, have worsened to the point where he requires constant use of an ambulatory device for walking. The Board finds a remand necessary to assess the severity of these conditions and their impact on daily activities.