Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of records.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a left knee disorder, right knee disability, lumbar spine disability, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy have all been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support granting any of these claims.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 is remanded due to the need for an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding whether his additional disabilities are related to VA care, treatment or examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation on and after May 26, 2009. The Board has granted TDIU for this period.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance of another person due to his limited mobility, standing endurance, risk of falling, and difficulty with dressing and bathing.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities is granted with an effective date of November 30, 2015.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was reopened, and he is now granted initial disability ratings for his lumbar spine condition, right knee strain, left knee strain, and TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability was denied, and the case is remanded due to insufficient evidence of ankylosis or flexion limitation.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities were also denied, and the case is remanded as there is no evidence of incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome.

The Veteran's low back disability was rated based on the severity of his symptoms and range of motion. The Board found that the criteria for higher ratings were not met at various points in time, leading to a remand for further development.

The Veteran is granted a certificate of eligibility for specially adapted housing due to his service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran's claim for a special home adaptation grant and adaptive equipment are denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the claim for an evaluation in excess of this rating has been denied. The Veteran was granted TDIU and SMC based on housebound status from March 17, 2015.

The Board has granted service connection for Prinzmetal's angina on a presumptive basis due to exposure to Agent Orange, and has also granted entitlement to Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated as 10 percent prior to November 26, 2019 and 20 percent thereafter. The issues of left thigh limitation of extension and right hip limitation of extension are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, degenerative arthritis of the spine with intervertebral disc syndrome, left lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy, and right lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy. The decision is based on evidence in relative equipoise as to whether these conditions began during active service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's cervical spine disorder, finding that it is causally related to his active military service. The TDIU claim was also granted from February 2004.

The Veteran's PTSD was denied an initial rating in excess of 70 percent from December 20, 2017. The Board also found that the criteria for a TDIU were not met prior to July 17, 2009.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disability, including a herniated disc with intervertebral disc syndrome of the left sciatic nerve and status post-surgery, is related to an active duty injury. As such, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's GERD, post-operative HNP of the lumbosacral spine, right Achilles tendonitis, and RLE radiculopathy with atrophy of the right calf are all rated based on their respective service-connected conditions. The claims for increased ratings and TDIU prior to June 28, 2017 are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's right foot disability, hip disability, and lumbar spine disability are all found to be service-connected.,Secondary service connection is granted for the Veteran’s lumbar spine disability as it is proximately due to his right foot and/or right hip disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder with radiculopathy as it found no evidence of an in-service injury or chronic condition, and the continuity of symptoms since service is not credible.