Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine, left lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy associated with a back disability, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as there was no credible evidence linking these conditions to active military service.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and erectile dysfunction. The Veteran's headaches were also denied an initial rating in excess of 30 percent.,Service connection was not granted as the evidence did not support that any current diagnosed conditions resulted from service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's right upper extremity cervical radiculopathy is granted as secondary to her service-connected cervical spine disability. A 40 percent rating for her lumbar spine disability is granted, effective from February 27, 2015. The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since the entire rating period on appeal.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his chronic headaches, thoracolumbar spine DDD, and lower extremity radiculopathy have been granted. The specific rating assigned varies based on the date of onset or progression of each condition.

The Veteran is granted a higher rating of 40 percent for his right shoulder disability prior to November 18, 2019 and denied in excess of 40 percent from that date.,The Veteran's radiculopathy is rated at 40 percent effective November 18, 2019.,The Veteran's scars are currently rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Board has dismissed all active appeals due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and right lower extremity radiculopathy were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation for his bilateral hearing loss, and that he did not meet the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his right lower extremity radiculopathy prior to November 9, 2020, or in excess of 60 percent thereafter.

The Board denied service connection for Lyme disease, dizziness as due to Lyme disease, ataxia as due to Lyme disease, and cervical radiculopathy as due to Lyme disease. The Veteran's symptoms were not shown during active service and are not considered related to military service.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease with bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy have prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment since August 7, 2010.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee osteoarthritis and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability. The appeal is dismissed for the remaining issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and need for further medical opinions regarding the appellant's character of discharge, service connection claims, and mental health status. The VA will seek additional records and conduct examinations to determine these issues.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The Board found no evidence of current right ear hearing loss, and the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating for left ear hearing loss under VA regulations.

The Board has granted service connection for status post lumbar spine surgery and right and left lumbar radiculopathy as secondary to the now service-connected status post lumbar spine surgery, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are at least as likely as not related to his active duty.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities, as well as his acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD) and tinnitus are granted. The claim for service connection for left knee disorder, frostbite of bilateral lower extremities, including a right toe is remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's neurological condition affecting his left hand and wrist, including cervical radiculopathy, is at least as likely as not related to a period of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) in March 2011. As such, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the impact of the Veteran's back disability and radiculopathy on his ability to work.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, left wrist disability, and right wrist disability due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete records and need for updated medical opinions. The issues include seeking higher ratings for various service-connected conditions, obtaining earlier effective dates for certain awards of service connection, and determining whether a TDIU is warranted.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings, service connection, and TDIU due to new evidence not having been considered by the AOJ.