Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Board granted the veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected PTSD and L5 radiculopathy, but denied his claim to reopen a back disorder due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has granted service connection for post-operative cervical spine degenerative disc disease with radiculopathy, finding that the veteran's current condition is likely due to injuries sustained during military service.

The Board found that the veteran's preexisting psychiatric disability increased in severity during service, and granted service connection for this condition. The other claims were not well-grounded.

The veteran's claims are being remanded for additional development of the evidence, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for increased ratings and special monthly compensation based on need of regular aid and attendance or on account of being housebound, as well as DIC under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 due to lack of evidence showing that the veteran's death was caused by his service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's appeals for increased disability rating and TDIU were dismissed as they were not timely filed.

The veteran's conditions do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his ability to care for himself and engage in most of the activities of daily living.

The veteran's low back disorder with radiculopathy, sinusitis, and bronchitis are all found to be related to his active service.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's right upper extremity disorder to his active duty service, including his service in the Persian Gulf. The claim was denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and TDIU, finding that the correct effective date was November 22, 1996.

The Board has determined that the veteran's VA disability compensation is subject to recoupment of separation pay, and service connection for a deviated nasal septum is granted. The remaining issues are pending further review.

The veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disorders are rated at 30 percent and 40 percent, respectively, effective October 1, 1993.,The residuals of the left orchiectomy are currently rated at 10 percent.

The appellant's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another or at the housebound rate is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination.

The Board found that the veteran's right foot drop and radiculopathy were not caused or worsened by VA treatment, resulting in a denial of the claim.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for the appellant's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, finding that the current rating adequately reflects his disability.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's cervical spine disability and granted a 10 percent evaluation for his hypertension, effective September 1, 1992.

The veteran's postoperative residuals of a back injury with sciatica, lateral recess stenosis, and right thigh pain are rated at 60 percent. The residuals of his right lower leg shrapnel wound are rated at 20 percent.

The Board granted service connection for various conditions and assigned a 10 percent disability evaluation to the fracture of the left ankle. Service connection was also established for first degree atrioventricular block, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sinusitis, recurrent ear, nose, and throat infections, hiatal hernia, gastritis, and cervical spine radiculopathy. The claim for service connection for rib pain was denied as not well grounded.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his anxiety reaction and chronic low back pain, prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment compatible with his training and experience.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder due to new evidence. The claim for service connection for a cervical spine disorder remains not well grounded.