Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for right leg radiculitis and radiculopathy as a result of the veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spine disorders do not warrant ratings in excess of 30% prior to December 29, 1997, and 40% prior to June 11, 2001. The effective date for the increased rating remains unresolved.

The Board found that the veteran's lumbar paravertebral myositis and bilateral L5-S1 radiculopathy do not warrant a rating higher than the current 40 percent disability rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a low back injury, finding that there was no evidence linking her current disability to her military service.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating from 20 percent for his low back disability is being remanded due to the need to consider both old and new criteria, as well as the need for a VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151, finding that there was no evidence showing that his cervical spine spondylosis, arthritis, and/or radiculopathy were caused or aggravated by an excisional biopsy of the right posterior lymph node at the Greenville VA medical center in March 2000.

The Board has determined that further examination is needed to determine whether the veteran's service-connected disabilities cause loss of use of both feet or one hand and one foot, or causes him to be permanently bedridden or in need of regular aid and attendance.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence, including clarification of his military service dates and further examination of his claims.

The veteran's arachnoid cyst at T12 and L2 level with chronic low back pain and radiculopathy, right leg is rated as 20 percent disabling. The veteran's migraine headaches are currently rated as 30 percent disabling prior to March 5, 2001.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for increased ratings due to incomplete development of her medical records and failure to provide proper VCAA notice.

The Board found that the veteran's lumbosacral spine disability was manifested by severe recurring attacks prior to April 24, 1986. The claim for an increased rating is denied.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to procedural concerns.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues regarding the veteran's increased disability rating for cervical disc disease with stenosis and radiculopathy status post fusion and discectomy with residual scar. The case is being sent back to the RO for additional development of medical records.

The Board determined that the veteran's death was not caused by or a result of his service-connected disabilities, and denied all claims.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for cervical strain with headaches and cervical radiculopathy, effective from August 14, 2000. The veteran's claim regarding the effective date of this rating is also considered.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VCAA notice and need for additional medical examination.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his claim, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and treatment records from specific physicians.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease, C5-6, with right radiculopathy and an increased evaluation for hallux rigidus of the left great toe. The issue of entitlement to service connection for hallux rigidus of the right great toe was not addressed as it is not related to his period of honorable service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete medical records and the need for additional examinations.

The VA has determined that the veteran's cervical fusion with radiculopathy and degenerative spondylosis does not warrant an evaluation higher than 20 percent, as there is no evidence of severe limitation of motion or intervertebral disc syndrome.