Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Board has remanded several claims, including those for service connection and increased ratings. The Veteran's attorney requested additional development related to the competency of VA examiners and the need for new medical opinions on various issues.

The Veteran's brachial plexus injury is not worsening and his symptoms are associated with cervical radiculopathy, which is unrelated to the service-connected condition. Therefore, a rating in excess of 10 percent for brachial plexus stretch injury secondary to fall is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of her low back disability, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and Hepatitis B residuals have been denied. The current ratings are considered appropriate.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's treatment at a non-VA facility on September 7, 2017 was for an emergent condition and that seeking treatment at a VA or federal facility was not feasibly available. Therefore, the claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation from August 8, 2017 to December 26, 2017. The Board granted entitlement to TDIU during this period.

The Board has granted an effective date of January 22, 2010 for the award of service connection for radiculopathy in both left and right lower extremities. The decision is based on the earliest evidence of record showing a diagnosis of radiculopathy related to service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded for further evaluation. Service connection for a bowel and/or bladder disorder secondary to service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease is also being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss. The cases of knee disability, back disability, bilateral hip radiculopathy (claimed), and acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to the need for additional evidence from Riverside Chiropractic Center and Dr. Roland Amash.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is not related to his active service or any other condition, and therefore, denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected low back disability and radiculopathy have rendered her unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting TDIU on an extraschedular basis. The need for aid and attendance has also been inferred.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as the evidence does not support a current neurological disability of the left lower extremity other than sciatic nerve disorder, and his claims for increased ratings are also denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for low back disability, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity due to inadequate examinations in previous decisions. A new examination is required to assess the current severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including thoracolumbar scoliosis with degenerative joint and disc disease, residuals of gunshot wound to the right thigh, mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve in both lower extremities, preclude him from maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and work history.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient explanation of why the Veteran was not entitled to a higher rating for his service-connected right lower extremity radiculopathy, and because further action is needed in connection with the underlying increased rating claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating in excess of 10 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy has been dismissed as the Veteran and his representative have withdrawn their appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for radiculopathy of the left hand as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected cervical spine stenosis.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain due to degenerative disc disease with bilateral radiculopathy required emergency treatment at a non-VA hospital on December 20, 2013. The Board found that the care was for an emergent condition and VA facilities were not feasibly available.

The Veteran is rendered unable to maintain substantially gainful employment as a result of service-connected disabilities from April 12, 2012 to June 28, 2018.