Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine DDD, radiculopathy of the femoral nerve (left and right), and rhabdomyopathy/neuromyopathy of the sciatic nerve (bilateral) have been granted. He is now rated at 20 percent for each condition.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all of his pending claims, including those related to plantar fasciitis, radiculopathy, headaches, and anxiety disorder. The Board dismissed these claims as a result.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as he has maintained employment through the VA Compensated Work Therapy program and does not desire to work.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is granted a 40 percent evaluation, effective from March 23, 2009. The Veteran's claim for TDIU was denied as he did not meet the schedular requirements.

The Veteran's prostate condition, diagnosed as benign prostate hyperplasia, is not service-connected due to lack of a direct link between the condition and his military service.,For his lumbar spine disability, the Board found that there was no evidence supporting a finding that it began during service or was related to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's current 20% rating for this condition remains unchanged.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet criteria for higher ratings or service connection in certain cases, but granted a TDIU.

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.