Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2012

The Board has granted service connection for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, finding that it is at least as likely as not secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. The claim for peripheral neuropathy or other neurological impairment of the left lower extremity was denied due to lack of a current disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's current low back disability was not incurred or aggravated during his period of active service and may not be presumed to have been incurred in service. The preponderance of evidence does not support a link between his current condition and his military service.

The Veteran's low back and bilateral leg disabilities are not service-connected. The Board finds no evidence of a current bilateral hip disability.

The Veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar degenerative joint disease with L5-S1 herniated nucleus pulposus was rated at 20 percent from November 4, 2010. The rating for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities were also increased to 10 percent each.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder was not shown to be related to service, and the Board found no chronicity of symptoms since service separation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was denied as it did not meet the criteria for a schedular rating in excess of 40 percent.

The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 10 percent prior to September 14, 2004. From September 14, 2004 to October 29, 2007, the Veteran's disability warranted a rating of 20 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied.,New evidence has not been received to reopen previously denied claims of fibromyalgia, right knee disability, gastritis, vertigo with syncope, stomach ulcers, or a heart condition.

The Board has determined that the matter must be remanded for additional development due to the need for a VA examination and further analysis of the Veteran's claims.

The Board denied service connection for a low back condition, finding no evidence of chronic residuals from any in-service injury or disease. Service connection was also not established for the appellant's tinea versicolor of bilateral feet due to lack of evidence connecting it to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to gather outstanding medical records and conduct VA examinations for his service-connected bilateral hallux valgus/bunions and low back disability.

The Board has dismissed the appellant's appeal on the issue of entitlement to service connection for a lower back disability due to withdrawal by the appellant. The VA audiological test results do not show right ear hearing loss, and tinnitus is related to acoustic trauma incurred in service.

The Veteran's service-connected herniated nucleus pulposus with scoliosis of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 10 percent, and he has a separate noncompensable (0%) rating for nocturia secondary to this condition. The initial disability rating for his right lumbosacral radiculopathy remains at 20%.

The Veteran's service connection claims for residuals of laceration injury to the left hand, right hand scars from animal scratches, and facial injuries from cat scratches have been granted.,Service connection is established for these conditions as they are considered direct service connections.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral spine disability, finding that the evidence does not support a higher rating based on the current level of disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back and cervical spine disorders were not incurred in or aggravated by service, thus denying her claims for service connection.

The Board found that there is no evidence of radiculopathy in the bilateral upper extremities or left lower extremity associated with the Veteran's cervical and lumbosacral spine disabilities. As such, separate compensable ratings for these conditions are not warranted.

The Board found that the Veteran's current back disorders are not related to his active duty service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disability is not related to his service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.