Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Veteran's sleep disorder has been rated at 10 percent since November 23, 2007. The rating is for the entire period of service connection.

The Veteran's low back disorder, characterized by severe limitation of lumbar motion and pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome, warrants a disability rating of 60 percent since the effective date of service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease, L4-5, L5-S1 was denied. The claim for service connection for idiopathic thrombocarpin purpura with systemic lupus erythermatosus (claimed as thrombocarpin) was also denied due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his lumbar spine disability and associated sciatic nerve symptoms was denied. The RO found that the Veteran's condition did not warrant a higher than 40 percent rating.

The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy has been rated at 20 percent since June 19, 2007. The claim for a higher evaluation prior to that date is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability rating, service connection, and special monthly compensation are being remanded due to the need for further development.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a low back disorder with radiculopathy during service or related to service, and the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to inadequate medical opinions and the need to verify a claimed stressor.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a spinal disorder, leg disorder, and penile disorder. The evidence did not establish that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's L4-S1 radiculopathy with right foot drop was caused by the VA April 2002 surgery, which resulted in a permanent multi-level radiculopathy. The Board found that this additional disability was not reasonably foreseeable and due to error in judgment or lack of proper skill on the part of the operating surgeon.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar disc disease is manifested by pain, weakness, and limited motion. The Board finds that the disability warrants a rating of 60 percent based on its pronounced nature with persistent symptoms compatible with sciatic neuropathy.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine, with right radiculopathy is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing.

The Board has denied service connection for lumbar paravertebral myositis, lumbar polyradiculopathy, fibromyositis, degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, spondylosis, spondylolisthesis of L5-S1, and spinal canal stenosis of L4-L5. The Veteran's cervical segment of the spine disabilities were also denied service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected intervertebral disc disease of the lumbosacral spine is currently rated at 40 percent, and he meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU based on his combined disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 40 percent for her service-connected lumbar spine herniated discs at L4-S1 with radiculopathy is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of May 1, 1985 to January 30, 1989 for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes.

The Board has ordered a remand due to incomplete service treatment records and the need for a VA examination. The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a low back injury, including radiculopathy, is being returned to the RO/AMC for further action.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of her service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with bilateral sacroiliitis was denied. The Board found that her disability picture did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher initial rating under the applicable VA Rating Schedule. Her radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, which is not currently service-connected, remains unresolved.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is service-connected, but his right lower extremity radiculopathy claim is denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been presented to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for back disability, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity. The claims are therefore denied.