Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2010

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, including DDD, bulging discs, and herniated discs, is being remanded for additional development to determine if it was aggravated by service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disease with spinal stenosis is rated at 60 percent, the highest available rating under the General Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the percentage requirements for a TDIU under VA regulations, and there is no evidence of unemployability due to his service-connected conditions alone. The Board finds that he is capable of engaging in light and sedentary activities.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar strain with chronic lower back pain is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board found that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and low back disability, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military service. The bilateral hip and knee disorders were found not to be incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for a low back disability, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted.,The Veteran's bilateral knee torn medial meniscus was not found to be related to VA care, as the VA examiner stated it was an incidental occurrence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim of service connection for a low back disability is remanded due to further development being required. The claim of service connection for left knee disability remains pending and will be addressed after the additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim of service connection for a low back disability is remanded due to further development being required. The claim of service connection for left knee disability remains pending and will be addressed after the additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and L5 radiculopathy are secondary to his service-connected right and left knee disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disorder and a left ankle disorder, finding that there was no evidence of chronic disability related to service or any link between current symptoms and service. The March 2009 VA examination report concluded that the currently manifested neck condition is less than 50% likely caused by or the result of military parachute jumps during service.

The Board found that the reduction of ratings for allergic rhinitis and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine were proper, but denied the severance of service connection for hemorrhoids due to lack of evidence of aggravation during active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine was initially granted with a 10 percent rating from December 2, 2002 to March 26, 2006. On and after March 27, 2006, he received an increased rating to 20 percent.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current low back disability is related to his active military service, and grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has found that the Veteran's PTSD is likely related to his service, warranting service connection.

The Board found that degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied the claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disorder, heart condition (atriial fibrillation), bilateral hearing loss, and loss of bone from the jaw are all service-connected.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease with disc herniation, left C7 nerve root compression, and unsteadiness is currently rated at 20 percent disabling. His cervical radiculopathy affecting the left upper extremity has been evaluated as non-compensable.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease at L5-S1 with intermittent sciatica of the lower extremities was granted an initial evaluation of 20 percent effective January 27, 2010.

The Veteran's bilateral hip and lumbosacral strain disabilities have been granted with initial ratings of 10 percent for the right hips, effective October 22, 2003. The left hip disability has a separate rating of 10 percent. The lumbosacral strain was initially rated noncompensable but increased to 10 percent.

The Board has determined that osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine is presumed to have been incurred in service.