Radiculopathy & sciatica — all decisions

The Board denied several claims for increased ratings and service connection, while granting a 30% rating for herpes simplex labialis and service connection for thoracolumbar spine disability.

The Board granted increased ratings for the Veteran's right and left sciatic nerve radiculopathy, effective May 31, 2018, and awarded a total disability based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) effective July 30, 2012.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for increased ratings of 30 percent for chronic asthma, 40 percent for early osteoarthritic change of the lumbosacral spine at L3-4 (lower back), and 20 percent for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, as there was no evidence showing that the criteria for these ratings were met prior to April 24, 2024.

The appeal was dismissed due to a claims processing error of erroneous docketing.

The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, as currently diagnosed, related to in-service military sexual trauma (MST).

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and granted TDIU, SMC at the housebound rate, and SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board granted an effective date of January 12, 2022, for the award of service connection for sinusitis and irritable bowel syndrome but denied a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss from February 17, 2022.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the rate specified in 38 U.S.C. � 1114(l) and (o) based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and other benefits, finding that the evidence did not support higher ratings or additional compensation.

The Board granted service connection for a low back disorder, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity on a secondary basis, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity on a secondary basis.

The Board remands the claims for further development, specifically to obtain an addendum medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cervical degenerative arthritis and DDD with spinal stenosis.

The appeal is dismissed due to the Veteran's election of a higher-level review, which precludes concurrent Board review.

The Board remands the claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbosacral strain status post laminectomy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, sciatic nerve, and a compensable evaluation for urinary incontinence due to missing medical records and an inadequate VA examination.

The Board granted service connection for asthma but denied service connection for chronic bronchitis and stable angina. Migraine headaches, bilateral hypermetropia, hypertension, a lumbar spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and cervical spine disability claims were withdrawn by the Veteran.

The appeal was granted for service connection of left ear hearing loss and OSA, but denied for hepatic steatosis. Several claims were remanded.

The appeal for service connection for a skin condition, left hip strain, and depression was dismissed as the Veteran did not file a notice of disagreement within one year of the relevant rating decisions. The appeals for service connection for bilateral lower and upper extremity radiculopathy were denied.

The Board remands the claims for further development as the prior remand directives were not substantially complied with.

The Board granted an initial rating of 30 percent for the Veteran's cervical spine disability and a 30 percent rating for radiculopathy of the left upper extremity effective February 25, 2019.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing or special home adaptation grant as he does not have a permanent and total service-connected disability that meets the criteria.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance is granted, as he requires regular assistance with dressing, keeping himself clean and presentable, and attending to his bodily needs due to service-connected disabilities.