Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Board has remanded several issues including earlier effective dates for LLER and RLER, higher ratings for back disability and radiculopathy, and a TDIU claim due to inextricably intertwined issues. The Veteran's service-connected conditions include LLER, RLER, and back disability.

The Board has dismissed all issues on appeal due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeals before the promulgation of a decision.

The Veteran's initial rating for DJD of the thoracolumbar spine prior to November 28, 2012 is granted at 20 percent. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for DJD of the thoracolumbar spine from February 1, 2013 onwards is denied. A separate rating of 40 percent for RLE radiculopathy is granted.

The Veteran's increased ratings for radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities have been denied, while a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to July 17, 2018 has been granted.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was granted an increased rating of 30 percent prior to August 23, 2019.,An initial rating in excess of 30 percent for the cervical spine disability since August 23, 2019, and a separate rating for left upper extremity radiculopathy were denied.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted service connection, and his lumbar spine disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy were all granted initial ratings. The claim for service connection for bilateral hip and knee disabilities is remanded.

The Veteran's LLE radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve is granted an increased rating to 40 percent, effective May 10, 2015.,Effective from May 10, 2015, the Veteran is granted a TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various knee and hand disorders due to incomplete development of records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral leg numbness associated with the sciatic nerve due to additional development needed, including obtaining private medical records and a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left lower extremity radiculopathy due to incomplete information and need for further development.

The Veteran's neck disability, left arm disability, right arm disability, left leg disability, and right leg disability are all related to his military service. The VA has remanded these issues for further development.,Service connection is being remanded for the Veteran's neck disability, LUE PN, RUE PN, LLE PN, and RLE PN as they may be connected to his MOS and exposure to Benzene.

The Veteran's claim for financial assistance for automotive or other conveyance and adaptive equipment is being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records, including a new examination of his upper extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 20 percent, and her radiculopathy of the right lower extremity was initially granted a 10 percent rating before February 5, 2014. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating after that date remains pending.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left lower extremity radiculopathy, left hip disability, and abnormal gait have been granted. The issue of a higher rating for the lumbar spine disability is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his back disability from April 16, 2013 was denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has granted service connection for thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar spine condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a lumbar spine disability, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy due to duty to assist errors. The Veteran is presumed to have developed rhabdomyolysis from burn pit exposure.

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

The Veteran's service-connected low back disability and radiculopathy of the sciatic nerves have been granted initial evaluations, with a focus on the lumbar spine and bilateral sciatica. The evaluations are effective from October 16, 2013.

The Veteran's service connection claim for right ear hearing loss is denied. The VA examiner found no current diagnosis of right ear hearing loss, and the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his thoracolumbar sprain or right shoulder that warrants an increased rating. A separate 10 percent rating was granted for the right sciatic nerve disability.