Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability is not related to his active service or due to a service-connected disability, including as secondary to his service-connected pes planus and bilateral ankle disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew her appeals for the issues of increased evaluations for cervical spine degenerative disc disease, left upper extremity cervical radiculopathy, and left shoulder degenerative joint disease with rotator cuff tendonitis prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and conducting VA examinations to assess the severity of his back disability and its impact on his employment.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral spine degenerative disc disease, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity are now rated at 40 percent effective May 5, 2017.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for type II and type I diabetes, bilateral hand disability, low back disability, right knee disability, right hip disability, bilateral wrist disability, and neurological disorder of the lower extremities have been denied as there is no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents or a link between these conditions and service. The Veteran's claims for increased rating for onychomycosis and dental disorder are dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain a competent and credible medical opinion regarding the Veteran's left arm disability, as the previous examination was inadequate.

The Veteran's hypertension has been rated as 10 percent since the appeal period began, and a higher rating is not warranted.,Effective March 3, 2016, the Veteran is entitled to a 20 percent rating for her cervical spine disorder due to worsening symptoms. She does not meet criteria for a higher rating based on ankylosis or favorable ankyloses of the entire cervical spine.

The case is being remanded for further development, including an examination to identify the nerves involved in the Veteran's lower extremity radiculopathy and neuropathy. The temporary total rating following surgery in November 2008 will also be addressed.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner to determine if the Veteran has both peripheral neuropathy and radiculopathy, and whether the symptoms may be differentiated. The examiner should also address the issues of radiculopathy or neuropathy.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder and left forearm disorders are granted service connection based on continuity of symptoms since service. The Veteran is also awarded a 30% disability rating for his service-connected left shoulder disorder.

The Veteran's GERD symptoms have been minimal, with occasional bloating and belching. He is currently receiving treatment for his condition.,His PFB has not caused deep acne on the face or neck, as he only experiences superficial bumps that do not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeals for higher initial ratings for adjustment disorder and TDIU prior to December 19, 2011.

The Veteran seeks service connection for various disabilities, including cervical and lumbar spine conditions and radiculopathy of the lower extremities. The Board has determined that an effective date prior to August 23, 2011 is not warranted for these claims.,The Veteran also sought earlier effective dates for his service-connected disabilities. These requests were denied as well.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability with radiculopathy and denied service connection for a neck disability. Service connection was also denied for a skin disorder and left eye disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is rated at 60 percent since August 13, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected low back pain and right lower extremity radiculopathy, including the side effects of his medications, prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to February 28, 2012. The Board granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has found that the Veteran's claims of service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy, coronary artery disease, and erectile dysfunction require additional development due to new evidence received after the last adjudication.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity was rated at 20 percent prior to August 15, 2016 and at 40 percent on and after that date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for back disability and radiculopathy of the upper and lower extremities are being remanded due to incomplete records, need for VA examinations, and further development.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a back disability, which he claims is related to his active duty for training in the Ohio Army National Guard. The Board finds that additional development is needed to verify his periods of service and obtain any available medical records.