Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's GERD is rated 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's left knee strain with instability and shin splints, left knee strain with limitation of flexion, right knee strain with instability and shin splints, and right knee strain with limitation of flexion are all rated 10 percent disabling. The Board finds that additional evidence is needed to determine if these conditions warrant higher ratings.,The Veteran's left ankle sprain and right ankle sprain are both rated 10 percent disabling. Additional evidence is needed to determine if these conditions warrant higher ratings.,The Veteran's low back strain with degenerative arthritis is rated 20 percent disabling, but the Board finds that additional evidence is needed to determine if this rating is appropriate.,The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy and right lower extremity radiculopathy are both rated 10 percent disabling. Additional evidence is needed to determine if these ratings are appropriate.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, as determined by the VA examiners.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with DDD and IVDS, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy of the femoral nerve, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted entitlement to TDIU based on these service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew from appeal the issues of service connection for folliculitis, cervical spine disability, left upper extremity radiculopathy, right upper extremity radiculopathy, bronchitis, and sinusitis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development regarding his claims of increased ratings and TDIU, including consideration of new VA treatment records received after the October 2020 supplemental statement of the case.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for left eye injury and acquired psychiatric disorder due to new evidence received since their last denial.,However, both issues are remanded as there is insufficient medical evidence to determine if service connection can be granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates were dismissed.,Effective date of November 18, 2008 was assigned for the grant of service connection.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with psychotic features resulted in occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent disability rating.,Prior to March 21, 2019, the Veteran met the schedular requirements for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings and service connection claims due to a withdrawal of appeal by his authorized representative.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal on the issue of a compensable rating for infectious skin condition.,The Veteran's major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and alcohol use disorder have resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas since June 1, 2016. The Veteran is granted a 70 percent rating for this period.,The Veteran is granted TDIU effective March 13, 2020.,There are issues regarding service connection for cervical spine disability and right upper extremity radiculopathy. These issues have been remanded for further review.,Service connection may be established if the condition onset in or is causally related to service.

The Veteran's lumbar strain with spondylosis is granted a 40 percent rating, and his right and left lower extremity radiculopathies are denied ratings in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to June 1, 2010. The Board finds that a TDIU is warranted for this period.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected neck disability, low back disability, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative disc disease (IVDS), sciatica (right and left legs), and a scar on her right lumbar region, preclude her from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted entitlement to TDIU for the periods specified.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for service connection for various conditions, including tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, sciatic nerve disability, pleurisy, tuberculosis, and back disability. The Board dismissed the appeals due to the Veteran's withdrawal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions regarding the nature, etiology, and severity of his claimed conditions. The issues include right hip arthritis, glaucoma, gout, hearing loss, knee disability, and sleep disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. Effective dates of October 22, 2007, were granted for the diagnoses.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, skin disability, cervical spine disability, and right upper extremity radiculopathy have been rated as per the criteria. The effective date for the award of a TDIU has been granted earlier than April 17, 2020, and an earlier effective date for the establishment of basic eligibility for education benefits under Chapter 35 (DEA) has also been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unemployable, as he can perform sedentary work with some restrictions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his low back disability, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities, and surgical scar post diskectomy are being remanded due to the need for new VA examinations to determine their current severity.