The Veteran's hypertension is not rated higher than noncompensable due to blood pressure readings consistently below the threshold for a compensable rating.,For his low back disability, the evidence does not support an initial rating in excess of 20 percent as there is no indication of favorable ankylosis or significant functional impairment. The Veteran's radiculopathy has also been rated appropriately based on its associated neurologic findings.,The separate rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy remains appropriate given the service-connected lumbar spine disability, and the left lower extremity radiculopathy is rated as 20 percent disabling overall.,For his left shoulder disability, a compensable rating of 20 percent has been granted based on limited motion, pain, and excess fatigability.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's hypertension does not meet the criteria for any higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes due to consistently normal blood pressure readings.,For his low back disability, there is no evidence of favorable ankylosis or significant functional impairment that would warrant a higher rating. The radiculopathy associated with this condition has also been rated appropriately based on its neurologic findings.,The separate rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy remains appropriate given the service-connected lumbar spine disability, and the left lower extremity radiculopathy is rated as 20 percent disabling overall.,For his left shoulder disability, a compensable rating of 20 percent has been granted based on limited motion, pain, and excess fatigability.
- Claimed conditions
- hypertension, left shoulder disability, low back disability, chronic urticaria, left lower extremity radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 7, 2017
- Citation
- 1706901
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1706901.
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