Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2006

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions, including arthritis of the neck, sciatic nerve pain, muscle atrophy of the left arm, and arthralgia of the hips, were not incurred or aggravated by active duty. The criteria for service connection have not been met.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination to assess the veteran's disabilities and their impact on his ability to care for himself.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further development and consideration of his claims, including scheduling a hearing and obtaining additional evidence from SSA.

The veteran's spine disability, characterized by degenerative disc disease and radiculopathy in the right lower extremity, has been rated at 40 percent. The Board has determined that a 60 percent rating is warranted based on severe limitation of motion.

The Board has granted the requested increased ratings for the veteran's service-connected bilateral hip disability and lumbosacral strain with right-sided sciatica, assigning a 10 percent rating effective from September 26, 2003 for the right-sided sciatica.

The VA determined that the veteran's cervical spine disability, which is currently rated at 20 percent, does not warrant a higher rating based on current symptoms and evidence.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and evidence from SSA.

The Board denied increased ratings for post-operative residuals of lumbar disc surgery, right and left lumbosacral radiculopathy.

The Board has granted increased ratings for the veteran's cervical spine disability and its related radiculopathies of the hands and shoulders, effective as of April 18, 2000.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including an addendum opinion from a VA examiner to address whether any lower extremity radiculopathy is related to active service or the service-connected chronic lumbosacral strain.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased ratings are denied as there is no evidence of ankylosis, moderate limitation of motion, or moderate intervertebral disc syndrome warranting a higher rating under either the pre-amended or amended regulations.

The Board granted service connection for sciatica and depression as secondary to the veteran's service-connected lumbar spine injury.