Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development regarding his service-connected lumbosacral strain, cervical spine degenerative arthritis, right shoulder impingement syndrome, and right lower extremity sciatica.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for her right knee injury and for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The case requires further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and conducting new examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection related to bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, low back condition, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy require additional development due to a lack of VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings due to incomplete evidence and requests that additional development be conducted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity has been granted. The appeal as to her TDIU issue was withdrawn by her representative.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy due to inadequate examination findings.

Service connection for a left knee condition is granted.,Service connection for a lumbar spine condition, as secondary to the left knee condition, is granted.,Service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, as secondary to the lumbar spine condition, is granted.,A rating of 30 percent disabling, but no greater, for a left shoulder disability beginning January 10, 2020 is granted.

Prior to March 9, 2021, the Veteran was granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.,From March 9, 2021, the Veteran's TDIU was granted due to his depression with anxious distress and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.

The Veteran's disability ratings for radiculopathy of the left femoral nerve, right femoral nerve, and right upper extremity were restored to 20 percent effective July 1, 2020.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, but no higher, throughout the entire appeal period.,PTSD symptoms include recurring nightmares, anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating, intrusive thoughts/flashbacks, hypervigilance, avoidance of stimuli related to past experiences, and impaired social functioning.

The Veteran's disability rating for RIGHT lower extremity radiculopathy was reduced from 10 percent to 0 percent, effective July 29, 2019. The reduction was not proper as the evidence did not show an actual improvement in his ability to function.,Effective March 30, 2018, the Veteran's combination of service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for cervical spine, left upper extremity neuropathy, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and a left shoulder disability due to lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated by active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back strain with lumbar radiculopathy, right knee disability, and bilateral hip bursitis are not service-connected.,Further clarification is needed regarding the Veteran's current diagnoses of these conditions.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability with associated right and left lower extremity radiculopathy is granted an initial rating of 20 percent effective March 15, 2007.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions and the need for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right lower extremity paralysis and PTSD, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for left lower extremity radiculopathy is granted, with the effective date set at September 14, 2006. SMC based on housebound status and need for regular aid and attendance are denied.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for consideration of whether he should be granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis due to his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has determined that new and material evidence was submitted to support his claims of a back disability, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, bilateral shoulder disabilities, OSA, and headaches. The claim for vitamin D deficiency is denied as it does not constitute a recognized disability for VA compensation purposes.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her thoracolumbar spine disability and associated radiculopathy. The Veteran is also seeking earlier effective dates for TDIU, Dependents' Educational Assistance, and SMC awards.