Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The veteran's claims for higher ratings for his right shoulder condition, right carpal tunnel syndrome and C8-T1 radiculopathy, scar from inguinal hernia repair, and status post right inguinal hernia repair have been granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and an increased rating, finding no evidence to support his assertions that his current cervical spine disorder or right fifth metacarpal disability are related to incidents in service.

The veteran's claim for service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy with left foot drop on a direct basis and as secondary to service-connected chronic lumbosacral strain is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbosacral strain and irritable bowel syndrome are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations, updated VA treatment records, and consideration of new rating criteria.

The Board granted a 40 percent evaluation for the veteran's degenerative disc disease, residuals of low back injury with radiculopathy left lower extremity, effective from September 23, 2002. The rating is based on incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least six weeks during the past 12 months.

The veteran's appeal is for an increased rating for his service-connected spondylolithesis of the lumbar spine with degenerative changes and radiculopathy. The RO has granted service connection but did not address whether a higher initial rating was warranted.

The veteran's claims for service connection for prostatitis with chronic urethritis and left epididymitis, as well as degenerative disc disease of the L5 spine with spondylosis and right-sided radiculopathy, were granted effective August 8, 2002.

The Board denied the veteran's attempt to reopen his claim for service connection due to cervical and lumbar radiculopathy, finding no new and material evidence.

The veteran's right sensory neuropathy of the sciatic nerve with lumbosacral strain is rated at 20 percent, effective from its effective date of service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing. The veteran's claims for a compensable rating for his scar and service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome are pending.

The veteran's low back disability, characterized by lumbosacral strain and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, is currently rated at 40 percent. The rating has been granted.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including an orthopedic and neurological examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected low back disability.

The veteran seeks compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine with radiculopathy, alleging medical negligence by VA doctors during a left C6/C7 hemilaminectomy and nerve root decompression surgery in July 2001 at the Durham, North Carolina VA Medical Center. The claim is remanded due to incomplete records from SSA and the VA Medical Center.

The Board has determined that a rating of 60 percent is warranted for the veteran's lumbar paravertebral myositis with clinical left L5-S1 radiculopathy, effective from the date of the claim.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and clarification regarding his ability to engage in substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the veteran's failed back syndrome, status post lumbar microdiscectomy with lower extremity radiculopathy is related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic disability related to the veteran's service, and denied his claims for service connection for back disorder, left ankle disorder, and left knee disorder.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for minimal disc bulging L4-5 radiculopathy is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of his case.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection as his back disability did not manifest within one year of separation from active military service and there was no evidence to support a nexus between his current condition and his in-service service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for VA examinations to determine if carpal tunnel syndrome and sciatic nerve disorder are secondary to service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine.