Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected lumbar degenerative disc disease with radiculopathy does not warrant a disability rating in excess of 40 percent.

The Board found that the veteran's intraventricular conduction delay and L4-5 lumbar radiculopathy were not service-connected as they are not linked to his periods of active duty or any injury during inactive duty for training.

The veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension on account of need for aid and attendance or being housebound.

The veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 was denied because there is no medical evidence showing that the VA cervical fusion caused additional disabilities.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the failure to file a timely Notice of Disagreement (NOD) regarding his bilateral plantar fasciitis claim. The remaining claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied.

The veteran's back disorder was granted an evaluation of 40 percent for mechanical low back pain with degenerative disc disease from September 23, 2002, to October 8, 2002. The rating assigned for chronic left-sided L5-S1 radiculopathy is 40 percent effective October 9, 2002.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a comprehensive examination of her service-connected disorders and consideration of all applicable criteria.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the veteran's residuals of arthrotomy of the left knee with degenerative joint disease, effective from June 1999. The issue of increased rating for low back strain is pending and will be remanded to obtain a new VA spine examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected low back disability substantially limits his mobility, allowing him to qualify for special monthly compensation based on being housebound.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and a compensable evaluation for his right shoulder disability due to lack of evidence linking current conditions to service.

The veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to uncertainty regarding his employability solely because of his service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's combined disability rating is 30 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for compliance with VCAA requirements and additional development of his claims.

The veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was granted effective from March 7, 2001. The effective date of the TDIU is July 8, 1994.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection due to new and material evidence, but did not address the merits of these claims as they were decided on the basis of direct service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's lumbar disc disease warranted a rating of 60 percent, which was the maximum schedular rating available. The case does not present an exceptional or unusual disability picture.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination and compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA).

The VA denied an increased rating for the veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and separate ratings for mild right and left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The veteran's claim for a non-service-connected pension, including on an extra-schedular basis, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and notification under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA).