Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities associated with degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is rated at 20 percent each, effective February 25, 2008.,Effective February 25, 2008, the Veteran also received TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine degenerative disc disease (DDD) and left upper extremity radiculopathy, both secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability. The decision is based on the evidence showing that these conditions are caused by or aggravated by his service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's lumbar strain and associated radiculopathy have been granted ratings. Service connection for left upper extremity numbness is pending, while TDIU remains unresolved.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's service-connected conditions contributed substantially or materially to his death and if they caused or aggravated his diabetes. The case is being remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to incomplete records and need for medical opinions regarding the Veteran's incontinence symptoms.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder was denied for a rating in excess of 20 percent prior to May 22, 2019. Ratings of 10 percent were granted for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy from May 15, 2014. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for lumbar spine disorder was denied after May 22, 2019.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate compliance with previous remand directives and a need for another VA medical opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed bilateral foot disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his pulmonary disorder, hip/thigh disability, foot disability, and cervical spine disability.,Additional treatment records will be obtained and reviewed by a VA examiner to determine if the Veteran has any of these conditions that were incurred in or related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, finding that there was no evidence to support a direct or secondary relationship between his current condition and his active duty service.

The Board has denied service connection for right and left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, lumbar spine disorder, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, right foot plantar fascitis, left foot plantar fascitis, sciatica, rhinitis, sinusitis, and headaches as the evidence does not support a current disability.,The Board found that the Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of any of these conditions.

The Board dismissed the appeals due to the appellant's death, and no service connection was established for either condition.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's conditions, including service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his lumbosacral strain and associated bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need for clarification on whether the range of motion tests were performed in a weight-bearing position, or if additional examinations are required.

The Veteran's right-sided sciatica is rated at 20 percent from August 21, 2019. The Board denied an initial rating higher than 10 percent prior to that date and a rating in excess of 20 percent after that date.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus, PTSD, and peripheral neuropathy, made it impossible for him to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from April 3, 2009, to June 14, 2016, and from October 1, 2016, to August 1, 2017.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, including radiculopathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, is rated at 40 percent effective July 24, 2019.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is dismissed as moot due to the concurrent assignment of a 100 percent rating for service-connected disabilities and SMC benefits. The SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance claim is denied as the evidence does not show that the Veteran requires regular aid and assistance.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is granted service connection. Service connection for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to the lumbar spine disability is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to outstanding medical records and incomplete opinions regarding his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not precluded him from obtaining or maintaining a substantially gainful occupation.