Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and the Board finds it necessary to remand this matter for clarification regarding whether her service-connected disabilities preclude her from performing the duties of the occupation for which she previously was found rehabilitated or if the occupation is unsuitable on the basis of her specific employment handicap.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, while limiting his employment opportunities, do not meet the criteria for a TDIU as they are less than total in severity and he has other employable skills.

The Veteran's vitiligo is already rated at the maximum 10 percent, and no higher rating is granted.,Throughout the appeal period, the Veteran's low back disability has not met the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent.,Prior to December 1, 2020, the Veteran's radiculopathy of the right lower extremity did not meet the criteria for a higher than 10 percent rating. Beginning December 1, 2020, it did not meet the criteria for a higher than 20 percent rating.,Prior to December 1, 2020, the Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity did not meet the criteria for a higher than 10 percent rating. Beginning December 1, 2020, it did not meet the criteria for a higher than 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal for initial compensable ratings on several service-connected conditions, including a right knee scar and back disability, is remanded due to the need for additional evidence or examination. The TDIU claim from November 19, 2008, to October 22, 2009, is granted.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and rating increases have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeals.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a back disorder and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy associated with the back disorder due to additional development being required.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that he is not unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

Service connection for IBS is granted.,PTSD with Depression and Panic Disorder was previously denied, but a higher rating of 50% prior to September 8, 2015, and 70% on or after that date is granted.,Lumbosacral Strain has been rated at 10% prior to January 11, 2021, and 20% on or after that date. The claim for a higher rating remains pending.,Right Lower Extremity Radiculopathy was previously denied, but the claim is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has restored service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine with intervertebral disc syndrome, left lower sciatic nerve radiculopathy, and right lower sciatic nerve radiculopathy. The original grants were based on evidence showing a link between current symptoms and service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to outstanding treatment records and a need for a retrospective medical opinion regarding functional loss during flare-ups.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a left ankle condition was dismissed. The Board also remanded the issues of service connection for a back disability and left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings and earlier effective dates have been dismissed.,The Veteran was granted a TDIU from July 7, 2016.

Service connection for a low back disability, right leg sciatic pain, and left leg sciatic pain and paresthesia is denied.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (unspecified depressive disorder with anxious distress) is granted.

The Veteran's C-7 radiculopathy of the right upper extremity was rated at 40 percent, but the Board found that his condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it did not result in severe incomplete paralysis or complete paralysis.

The Veteran's service-connected left and right upper extremity radiculopathy have been denied as they are not related to her service or service-connected conditions.,Service connection for the Veteran's bilateral upper extremities condition has also been denied due to lack of evidence showing a relationship between the condition and service.

The Board has granted service connection for OSA, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, low back disabilities (including degenerative arthritis, IVDS, and osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine with radiculopathy), right knee DJD, and left knee DJD. The appeal is remanded for further development regarding kidney stones.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher ratings and TDIU due to incomplete records, including private treatment records from 2014.

The Board has dismissed all the issues on appeal due to the death of the Veteran before a final decision could be made.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was granted an initial 20% rating until September 28, 2020. From that date onwards, a higher rating is denied.,For the radiculopathy of the right upper extremity, a higher initial rating is denied from September 28, 2020 onwards.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including cervicogenic headaches, depression and/or anxiety, cervical spine disability, cervical radiculopathy of the right upper extremity, and sixth thoracic vertebrae associated with status post cervical fusion, likely preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted entitlement to TDIU.