Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations to assess his lumbar spine disorder and right and left lower extremity radiculopathy. The issues of an initial rating of more than 40 percent for chronic lumbosacral strain with IVDS and spinal stenosis, entitlement to TDIU since November 25, 2015, entitlement to SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance, and entitlement to SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) are all remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to April 2, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have led to a TDIU for the period beginning August 30, 2019. The case is remanded for further action on his claim of a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar spine spondylolisthesis and for extraschedular consideration of his TDIU prior to August 30, 2019.

The Veteran's back condition is rated at 40 percent, effective April 23, 2021. The Veteran also receives a TDIU rating due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. A 10 percent rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy remains unchanged.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent, but no higher. Service connection for diabetes mellitus was denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his lumbar spine disability and left lower extremity radiculopathy due to inconsistencies in prior examinations and a need for additional development.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability is denied as he does not have ankylosis of the spine or symptoms comparable to unfavorable ankylosis.,The Veteran's initial claims for higher ratings for his left and right lower extremity radiculopathy are denied as they do not meet the criteria for a rating higher than 40 percent prior to July 1, 2014 and thereafter, and 10 percent prior to November 1, 2019 and thereafter.,The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his right lower extremity radiculopathy is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a rating higher than 40 percent from November 1, 2019 onward.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including unspecified depressive disorder, atypical headaches with features of migraines, chronic lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease, and other conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including dermatophytosis of the head and face with pseudofolliculitis, chronic arthritis (lumbar spine), left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and right upper extremity radiculopathy. The Board found no new evidence to reopen the claims for dermatophytosis of the head and face with pseudofolliculitis or chronic arthritis (other than lumbar spine), and denied service connection for radiculopathy.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for fibromyalgia, vertigo, obstructive sleep apnea, ovarian cysts, lymphadenopathy, and lumbar spine disorder with radiculopathy due to outstanding VA and private medical records. The Veteran is also being asked to undergo a new VA examination to determine the etiology of her right knee disability and for opinions on whether any service-connected disabilities have aggravated or caused her lumbar spine disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to additional development being necessary.

The Veteran's right leg sciatic radiculopathy is granted a separate 40 percent rating, effective November 14, 2018. His back condition remains at 40 percent and he has been granted TDIU.

The Board has granted a higher initial rating of 40 percent for the Veteran's lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease, effective from November 2012. Separate ratings of 20 percent have been granted for right lower extremity radiculopathy associated with this condition. Other issues related to the Veteran's back disability remain pending and are remanded.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims regarding his cervical spine, lumbar strain, upper and lower extremity neuropathy, and skin disabilities. The claims are being remanded to obtain updated findings from VA examinations.

The Veteran's back disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy have been rated, with the rating for back disability being granted from October 18, 2012 to September 16, 2019. The appeal is remanded for further consideration of his TDIU claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain and radiculopathy of the lower extremities due to additional development being needed, including obtaining medical records and scheduling an examination.

The Board has remanded the cases of a lumbar spine disability, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, and TDIU prior to August 3, 2018 due to inadequate examinations and lack of information regarding flare-ups.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the initial rating for anxiety, service connection for LUE radiculopathy, RUE radiculopathy, and cervical spine disability. The claims are dismissed.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for a neck disability and secondary service connection for right upper extremity radiculopathy, finding that these conditions are related to his in-service injuries.