Radiculopathy & sciatica — all decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), to include gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD); left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome; and left and right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy.

The veteran withdrew the appeals for increased disability ratings, and the claims are dismissed.

The Board denied a compensable rating for left upper extremity radiculopathy, finding that the Veteran's condition did not warrant a higher rating during the period on appeal.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for left and right lower extremity radiculopathies to ensure proper notice of the Veteran's right to a hearing is provided.

The Board remands the claims for further development and to ensure that all relevant evidence is properly considered.

The Board granted a 20 percent rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy throughout the period on appeal, resolving any reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board remands the claims for service connection of left and right upper extremity radiculopathy as secondary to thoracolumbar invertebral disc syndrome with spinal stenosis and a herniated disc due to an inadequate medical opinion.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, as well as a TDIU.

The Board granted increased ratings for the Veteran's psychiatric disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, and restored a higher rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve. The Board also granted service connection for migraines and erectile dysfunction.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for various disabilities, including lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, radiculopathy of both femoral and sciatic nerves, tension headaches, residual scarring, and PTSD.

The Board granted service connection for multiple conditions, including tinnitus, traumatic brain injury, post-concussion migraines, peripheral vestibular disorder, insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome thoracolumbar spine, lumbar right side sciatic nerve radiculopathy, lumbar left side sciatic nerve radiculopathy, cervical strain with degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome, and cervical right upper extremity radiculopathy.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and a rating in excess of 20 percent for the lumbar spine back disability, as the evidence did not show symptoms productive of total occupational and social impairment or greater severity.

The Board remands the claims for a higher rating for intervertebral disc syndrome and radiculopathy right lower extremity due to insufficient evidence regarding the severity of the conditions, including the ameliorative effects of medication.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral tinnitus and denied increased ratings for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, linear midline lumbar surgical scar, and bilateral hearing loss. However, the Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder secondary to a service-connected lumbar spine disability and a separate 10 percent rating for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity.

The Board granted the restoration of a 20% rating for lumbar spine disability and service connection for right and left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy, while denying service connection for vertigo.

The Board denied service connection for a foot disorder (bilateral plantar fasciitis) and a nerve disorder of the right upper extremity (cervical radiculopathy), as there was no evidence of current disability during the appeal period.

The Board granted an earlier effective date for the service connection of lumbosacral strain and related lower extremity radiculopathies, but remanded claims for higher initial ratings.

The Board denied an increased rating for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and granted a 30 percent rating for asthma, while denying service connection for various conditions including allergic rhinitis, chronic fatigue syndrome, hypertension, lumbar spine pain, right lower extremity sciatic radicular pain, tremors of the bilateral hands, and chronic headaches.

The Board remands the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical evidence and ensuring substantial compliance with previous remand directives.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are of such nature and severity as to preclude his participation in any regular substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience, warranting a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.