Radiculopathy & sciatica Board decisions

The VA determined that the appellant's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment based on his educational attainment and occupational experience.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating, finding that his disability warranted a 20% additional rating for muscle involvement but not meeting the criteria for a higher 40% rating.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The effective date for the current 20% rating for cervical spine disability was set at September 14, 1996.

The veteran's service-connected postoperative residuals of cervical laminectomy with degenerative changes and C5-C6 radiculopathy have been rated at 40 percent since August 24, 1996. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.

The Board finds that the veteran's renal failure, caused by medication for his service-connected back disability, contributed to his death. Service connection is granted for the cause of the veteran's death.

The veteran's claim for a total disability rating for pension purposes was denied. The Board found that he failed to present evidence of a well-grounded claim for service connection for back and lower extremity disabilities under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The veteran's claim for an initial disability evaluation in excess of 10 percent for lumbar spinal stenosis with impingement of sciatic nerve at L4-5 and L5-S1 was denied by the RO. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records, conduct a VA examination, and consider whether staged ratings are warranted.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for his L5-S1 degenerative disc disease, status post laminectomy with sensory radiculopathy.

The Board finds that the appellant's lumbar disc injury with sciatica and spondylolisthesis incurred in service, including a work-related injury in 1990. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, currently evaluated at 40 percent.

The veteran's service-connected cervical radiculopathy and reactive airway disease do not render him unemployable due to his disabilities.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected low back disability is denied as her symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 are well grounded, but his secondary service connection claims have not been substantiated by evidence of a plausible claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's recurrent low back pain with left lumbar radiculopathy warrants a disability rating of 40 percent, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board denied the veteran's request for a three-wheel scooter as it is not considered necessary part of his outpatient care or treatment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted a 40 percent evaluation for chronic pain, neck and right upper extremity; residuals of rotator cuff injury, right shoulder since January 1, 1999. The other issues remain unresolved.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher disability evaluations for his right elbow injury with spurring and compression fractures of the lumbar spine and herniated discs with history of radiculopathy, as these conditions are evaluated under a direct service connection theory.

The Board has restored service connection for the veteran's status post lumbar laminectomy with L5-S1 recurrent radiculopathy as secondary to his service-connected left knee disability.

The veteran's claim for additional educational training under Chapter 31 was denied as he already had the necessary education, experience, and skills to be employed in suitable occupations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected lumbar radiculopathy and hypertension do not warrant increased disability ratings.