Radiculopathy & sciatica — all decisions

The Board denied higher ratings for tinnitus, OSA, and decreased anal sphincter tone of unknown etiology. The 20 percent rating was restored for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, sciatic nerve, and the appeal for restoration following the proposed reduction in evaluation for right knee flexion was dismissed.

The Board denied entitlement to a finding of total disability due to individual unemployability (TDIU) based on the Veteran's service-connected conditions prior to July 8, 2021.

The Board granted a 50% disability rating for the Veteran's back disability, denied higher ratings for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, and denied a higher rating for tinnitus. The Veteran was also granted TDIU from February 16, 2021 to November 6, 2023, and an earlier effective date for DEA benefits.

The Board granted an earlier effective date of January 30, 1978 for the award of service connection for TBI with unspecified neurocognitive disorder and denied earlier effective dates for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities.

The Veteran was granted an effective date of October 26, 2018 for the grant of service connection for urge incontinence. The claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings for bilateral lower extremity femoral radiculopathy were denied.

The Board granted service connection for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) as secondary to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and granted a 10 percent rating for left hip limitation of extension, while denying other claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lumbar degenerative arthritis and radiculopathies, have been found to render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. TDIU is granted effective March 29, 2022.

The Board dismissed the appeal of proposed rating reductions for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and radiculopathy, left lower extremity, due to procedural defects in the Veteran's notice of disagreement. The issue regarding a compensable rating for migraine headaches was remanded.

The Board granted an initial 20 percent disability rating for radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities, sciatic nerve, effective April 14, 2022.

The Board remands the veteran's claims for increased ratings due to a need for additional development, including VA examinations and clarification of the Veteran's wishes regarding his claims.

The Board denied entitlement to a TDIU prior to April 15, 2011, as the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantial gainful employment.

The Board granted service connection for a back disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, but denied service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic sinusitis, bilateral hand tremors, and bilateral restless leg syndrome. The Board also granted an increased rating of 50 percent for obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board granted the restoration of a 20% rating for lumbosacral strain effective June 1, 2024, while denying ratings in excess of 20% and initial disability ratings in excess of 10% for left and right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathies.

The Board denied service connection for a right lower extremity nerve condition, to include radiculopathy and diabetic neuropathy, as secondary to the Veteran's lumbar spine disability.

The Board remands the Veteran's claims for an initial disability rating greater than 10 percent for degenerative disc disease, degenerative arthritis, and spinal stenosis, as well as left lower extremity radiculopathy, to schedule a VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss, a rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus, and a rating in excess of 10 percent for right lower extremity radiculopathy prior to December 6, 2023. The reduction in the evaluation of right lower extremity radiculopathy from 10 percent to noncompensable effective December 6, 2023 was upheld.

The appeal as to the proposed reduction of the rating for degenerative arthritis with lumbosacral strain, intervertebral disc syndrome, mild disc bulge with moderate central disc protrusion L5-S1 is dismissed due to procedural issues. The claim for a higher rating for sciatic nerve radiculopathy, left lower extremity, is remanded.

The Board granted a 100 percent rating for depressive disorder with major depressive like episodes and anxious distress, effective from October 21, 2022.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and a higher rating, as well as restoration of a 20 percent disability evaluation.

The Board granted a disability rating of 40 percent for radiculopathy of the right upper extremity and denied an earlier effective date for the award of a separate 10 percent rating for right leg radiculopathy as associated with the lumbar spine disability.