Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2019

The Board has decided to remand the cases for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current back conditions and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy are related to his service. The issues of service connection for these conditions will be reconsidered after the examination.

The Board has dismissed the appeal of entitlement to an increased rating for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease. The case is remanded for a decision on the issue of entitlement to an increased rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities contributed to his death from intracerebral hemorrhage due to uncontrolled hypertension.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy have been granted increased ratings. SMC at the housebound level has also been granted.

The Veteran's tension headaches are found to be secondary to her service-connected cervical spine disability.,Service connection for an anxiety disorder is granted as it is related to the Veteran’s service-connected cervical and lumbar spine disabilities.,Service connection for radiculopathy of the right upper extremity and left lower extremity is denied due to lack of current diagnosis.,Service connection for a heart condition is denied as there is no evidence linking the disability to service.,The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability remains at 20% since August 9, 2017.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected degenerative disc disease, spondylosis, thoracolumbar strain with intervertebral disc syndrome, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to the addition of new evidence since the last Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for lumbosacral strain is remanded, and his TDIU claim remains denied as he is currently gainfully employed.

The Veteran's PTSD, Back Disability, and Sciatic Nerve Disability are granted non-initial increased ratings. The TDIU issue is also resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the claims for sleep apnea, lumbosacral strain with IVDS, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, and bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis, hallux valgus, and DJD due to inadequate VA examinations. The increased rating claim for allergic rhinitis is also remanded.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including left shoulder disorder, bilateral knee disorders, bilateral hearing loss, and sleep apnea syndrome. The claims are being remanded to obtain a VA examination and supplemental opinion regarding these issues.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for DJD of the left hip with thigh impairment, limitation of flexion, and limitation of extension have been denied. The claim for a compensable rating for lumbar radiculopathy has been remanded.

The Board denied service connection for right shoulder disability, low back disability, left hip arthritis, right hip arthritis, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran's current disabilities are not considered to be related to his active service.,The Board also denied a higher evaluation for the service-connected shell fragment wound of the left thigh and denied compensable evaluations for two service-connected scars.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, cervical spine disability, radiculopathy of bilateral upper and lower extremities, and tinnitus. The reasons include that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the claim for low back disability, and there is no direct or secondary service connection based on the evidence provided.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and bilateral lower extremities radiculopathy due to insufficient medical opinions regarding service connection.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeals for all remaining issues.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is denied as it did not have its onset during active service or within one year of discharge.,The Veteran's weight fluctuation, gastrointestinal disability (other than constipation), erectile dysfunction, urinary frequency, diabetes mellitus, and tooth loss are all denied as they were not related to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune or lumbar spine osteoarthritis.,Bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy is granted as it is proximately due to service-connected lumbar spine osteoarthritis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, GERD, bilateral hearing loss disability, jaw (TMJ) disability, left shoulder disability, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, raticulopathy of the left upper extremity, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic kidney disability, and erectile dysfunction are not service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and review of the Veteran's TDIU claim, as it may affect her DEA under Chapter 35.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of his knee and back disabilities, as well as diabetes. The claims are being returned for further examination and opinion.

The Board dismissed all claims due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.