Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his cervical spine disability is denied as the evidence does not show unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine.,The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is denied as the evidence does not show unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical or thoracolumbar spine.

The Board has granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis for the period prior to May 31, 2016 due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis is presumed via PACT Act.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and an effective date prior to March 6, 2017 for SMC based on aid and attendance were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show a need for regular aid and attendance before March 6, 2017.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain and associated bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded for further development, including clarification of the weight-bearing status of the VA examination results.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his service-connected conditions and the appropriate disability ratings.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it does not result in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine being 30 degrees or less, nor does it show favorable ankylosis.,Right leg sciatica is currently rated at 10 percent and there are no incapacitating episodes that would warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including hypertension and musculoskeletal conditions of the spine and extremities. The main focus is on obtaining additional medical opinions regarding the nature and severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve and external cutaneous nerve were denied as they did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,Initial compensable ratings for both right and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the external cutaneous nerve were also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to January 15, 2014 did not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to care for his daily needs, requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person. The Board has determined that he is entitled to special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and need for further development. The issues include lumbar spine disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, shoulder disabilities, peripheral neuropathy, alcohol use disorder, GERD, and erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected peripheral neuropathy and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is being remanded due to an internally inconsistent VA examination report. The case will be readjudicated after obtaining a new examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and evaluation of the Veteran's claims, including obtaining addendum opinions regarding the etiology of his radiculopathy of the bilateral upper extremities and headache disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU rating, and his application is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected right lower extremity radiculopathy is being remanded for a new examination to assess the current level of disability.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and TDIU have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine with right upper extremity radiculopathy, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between the Veteran's current condition and his active duty.,Service connection was granted for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine. The Board found that the Veteran had continuous back pain since service and supported this by private medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for earlier effective dates for service connection for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy was granted. The effective date is set at June 3, 2009.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to new evidence indicating that his lumbar spine disability may be worse than previously assessed. A VA examination is required to assess the current severity of the Veteran's conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including back disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right and left big toe joint disabilities, head injury residuals, osteoarthritis of the right hip with limited extension, internal hemorrhoids, peripheral neuropathy of the right toes, and bilateral hearing loss, have prevented him from engaging in substantially gainful employment since January 1, 2016. As a result, TDIU is granted.