Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for service-connected residuals of fractured right wrist and left pubis rami, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating schedule.

The Board found no medical evidence linking the veteran's current low back condition to his military service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected low back disorder, characterized by a sprain of the interspinous ligament at L5-S1 with left sciatica, warrants a rating of 60 percent under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The veteran's cervical spine disorder and compression fracture at T12 with lumbar strain are currently rated as 20 percent disabling, effective from June 5, 1997 to September 30, 1997.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lumbosacral muscle strain, with L5-S1 radiculopathy, warrants a rating of 20 percent under Diagnostic Code 5292.

The Board denied the veteran's increased rating claim for residuals of a fracture of the right clavicle with subluxation and deformity of the sternoclavicular joint, as well as his initial disability ratings for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and right upper extremity radiculopathy. The evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The veteran's service-connected disc hernia at L4-5 with right-sided radiculopathy is currently manifested by lower back pain, tingling in the back and lower extremity, occasional radiating lightning pain down the right thigh, limitation of flexion and extension, side bending to the right, and no spinal stenosis. The Board has determined that an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for this condition is not warranted.

The Board granted a rating of 60 percent for lumbosacral strain with arthritis, spinal stenosis and radiculopathy effective October 23, 1996.

The Board denied the veteran's request for waiver of recovery of an overpayment of compensation benefits in the amount of $16, 680.90 due to a lack of awareness regarding his need to report incarceration and subsequent reduction in VA benefits.

The Board has granted a 40 percent evaluation for the veteran's lumbosacral degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease with radiculopathy, effective from March 27, 2000.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a ganglion cyst of the left wrist, and for initial evaluations higher than 20 percent for lumbosacral strain with arthritis and noncompensable for dyshidrotic eczema of the hands.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability rating, service connection, special monthly compensation, and automobile and adaptive equipment as his conditions were not related to service or any other basis.

The Board found that the veteran's arguments for an earlier effective date were not supported by the evidence of record, and thus denied his claim.

The veteran's service-connected chronic lumbar strain with radiating sciatic pain was rated at 20 percent from July 27, 1995 to March 17, 2003.

The Board granted service connection for left lower extremity sciatic neuropathy with muscle ataxia, right lower extremity sciatic neuropathy with muscle ataxia, and a tender scar in the thoracolumbar area. A temporary 100% rating was also granted from July 19, 2002 through September 30, 2002.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lumbar disc disorder is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher initial ratings and earlier effective dates in several issues, including her service-connected scoliosis of the lumbar spine, left lower extremity sciatic neuropathy with muscle ataxia, right lower extremity sciatic neuropathy with muscle ataxia, tender scar in the thoracolumbar area, TDIU, DEA, and temporary total rating for surgical treatment. The Board found that her symptoms did not meet the criteria for higher ratings or earlier effective dates.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his low back injury and right leg radiculopathy, do not render him individually unemployable.

The veteran's bilateral arm and leg disabilities are considered part of her service-connected cervical and lumbar spine disorders, respectively.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease, as well as for radiculopathy of both lower extremities. The current rating of 40 percent is maintained.