Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2003

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease, C5-6, with right radiculopathy and an increased evaluation for hallux rigidus of the left great toe. The issue of entitlement to service connection for hallux rigidus of the right great toe was not addressed as it is not related to his period of honorable service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete medical records and the need for additional examinations.

The VA has determined that the veteran's cervical fusion with radiculopathy and degenerative spondylosis does not warrant an evaluation higher than 20 percent, as there is no evidence of severe limitation of motion or intervertebral disc syndrome.

The veteran's lumbosacral spine disability was primarily manifested by pain on use and no more than moderate limitation of motion, without any incapacitating episodes. The claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent is denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a grade I anterolisthesis relative to L4 with pars intraarticular fracture, right clinical lumbar radiculopathy, left knee condition, and hip pain. The reasons are not provided in the given text.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records and to comply with provisions of the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The veteran's claim for a higher initial rating than 20 percent for her herniated nucleus pulposus, C5-6, with radiculopathy was denied by the Board. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for a herniated disc, L4-5 with left lower extremity radiculopathy and assigned a 20 percent rating. The veteran's claim for a higher rating remains pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected sciatic nerve injury substantially contributed to his death due to coronary artery disease, warranting a grant of service connection for the cause of death.

The Board denied service connection for cervical radiculopathy, peripheral neuropathy, and Hepatitis C due to exposure to herbicides (Agent Orange). The veteran's claims were not supported by new evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine with scoliosis and sciatica due to air embolus.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case, including requesting additional evidence and arranging for an orthopedic examination. The appeal is currently remanded to allow for this development.

The Board granted service connection for sciatica and found that the veteran currently suffers from sciatica. The issue of an increased rating for hypertension was not addressed as it is subject to a separate remand.

The veteran's initial ratings for both service-connected cervical spine disorder and compression fracture at T12 and lumbar strain have been addressed. The Board has remanded the claims to further develop the evidence, including a VA examination of the veteran.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected right sciatic nerve neuritis is not currently manifested by any pathology and thus does not meet the schedular criteria for a compensable disability rating.

The veteran seeks a higher disability rating for low back injury residuals with clinical right S1 radiculopathy, currently evaluated as 20 percent disabling. The case is being remanded to the RO for further development and consideration of revised diagnostic criteria.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues regarding increased evaluations for the veteran's thoracic degenerative arthritis, low back pain with radiculopathy, and hypertension.

The Board granted service connection for a right knee disability and increased the evaluation of low back strain with right sacroiliac radiculopathy, but denied service connection for other issues. The case is remanded to ensure compliance with VCAA requirements.

The veteran's death was not caused by his own willful misconduct, and at the time of his death he was not in receipt of or entitled to receive compensation for a service-connected disability that was continuously rated totally disabling for 10 years immediately preceding death.

The veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 30 percent, and her service-connected disabilities prevent her from securing and following gainful employment. Therefore, she is granted a TDIU rating.