Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's low back injury with recurrent mechanical lumbosacral strain, left and right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy were all denied increased ratings. The rating for the right lower extremity sciatic radulopathy was granted beginning on July 14, 2021.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection due to potential missing VA treatment records and other factors.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been presented to warrant readjudication of the claims for service connection for lumbar spine disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy. The claims are now REMANDED due to a duty to assist error.

The Veteran's cervical spine and bilateral upper extremity neurological disabilities were not incurred in or related to his military service. The Board denied increased ratings for lumbosacral strain with intervertebral disc syndrome and spinal stenosis, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and a surgical scar associated with the lumbar spine.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increases in ratings for his low back disability, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy due to incomplete compliance with prior remands. The case will be returned after further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for residuals of a traumatic brain injury, carpal tunnel syndrome, and neurological disability of the right lower extremity due to additional development being required. The claim for skin disability of the bilateral lower extremities must also be remanded.

The Veteran's right and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been granted initial 10 percent ratings prior to April 9, 2018. Ratings in excess of 10 percent are denied for both lower extremities from April 9, 2018.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his service-connected back disability and radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for cervical strain with degenerative joint disease, left and right upper extremity radiculopathy associated with cervical strain, due to additional evidence being received since the July 2020 SSOC.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lumbar disc disease with spinal stenosis, left lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral nerve), bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus, rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment prior to May 31, 2017. The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability for this period.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his lumbar spine and radiculopathy conditions due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's claims for initial disability ratings in excess of 20 percent for intervertebral disc syndrome and radiculopathy, as well as the claim for TDIU prior to July 17, 2016, have been dismissed due to his death during the appeal process.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left lower extremity disabilities have resulted in permanent loss of use of both feet, qualifying him for financial assistance to purchase an automobile or adaptive equipment.

The Veteran's PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder are granted service connection, while her lumbar spine disability is granted a higher rating from March 22, 2017.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and secondary service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.,Specifically, a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's low back disability is related to his active service or to his service-connected left ankle arthritis.

The Board has determined that there are outstanding VA, Vet Center, and private treatment records which need to be obtained in order to make a fully informed decision on the Veteran's claims. The Veteran is also required to provide updated information regarding her employment status.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as his service-connected disabilities did not meet the schedular criteria and he was gainfully employed throughout the relevant period.

The Board has remanded the claims for right knee, left knee, lumbar spine degenerative joint disease and disc disease (low back disability), left shoulder disability, and left leg/hip disability due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives.

The Veteran is granted SMC based on aid and attendance from January 30, 2019 onward. The issue of entitlement to SMC based on aid and attendance or housebound benefits from July 12, 2011 to January 29, 2019 is remanded.,The Veteran's claim for SMC T (based on a higher level of SMC under subsection (t)) has been reasonably raised by the record. The issue of entitlement to SMC based on aid and attendance from July 12, 2011 to January 29, 2019 is remanded.,The earlier effective date for radiculopathy of the upper extremities prior to February 9, 2021 remains pending.