Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2008

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for his left shoulder disability, finding that the evidence did not support such an increase. The Board also found that there was no separate entitlement to a rating for neurological manifestations related to his service-connected left shoulder disability.

The Board denied increased ratings for the veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and associated left lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating based on the severity of his disability.

The veteran's spondylolisthesis with left leg radiculopathy was evaluated at 20 percent prior to February 17, 2006 and at 40 percent as of that date. The appeal is denied.

The Board has granted a rating of 40 percent for degenerative disc disease, L4-5 and L5-S1, effective from October 31, 2005. A separate 20 percent rating is also granted for nerve involvement of L5-S1 on the left side associated with degenerative disc disease.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the degree of industrial impairment resulting from his service-connected disabilities and whether he is unemployable.