Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2012

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability, with at worst 40 degrees of forward flexion and 145 degrees of combined range of motion, is manifested by moderate limitation of motion. The criteria for a higher rating in excess of 20 percent have not been met.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability, including lumbosacral strain, contusion of the lumbar spine, and spondylosis of the lumbar spine, did not meet the criteria for service connection as it was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, cervical spine, tinnitus, right knee disorders, and bilateral hearing loss, do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining inpatient treatment records from the Oakland Naval Hospital and seeking authorization for medical records from Dr. Greene and Dr. Dorey (ph.). The Veteran's claim will be returned to the Board after these actions are completed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board grants a TDIU.

The Veteran's initial claim for higher ratings for his lumbar spine disability was denied as there were no findings meeting the criteria for a higher rating. However, he was granted separate compensable ratings for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities from January 27, 2012 onwards.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left shoulder disability or low back disability, and thus cannot establish service connection for either condition.

The Veteran's representative withdrew the appeal regarding his claim for a higher rating for lumbosacral strain, resulting in the dismissal of the case.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disorders, including whether they are related to service. The claims will be remanded for further action.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and VA examinations.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding all four issues, including the low back disability and peripheral neuropathies of the upper and lower extremities.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disorder, left knee disorder, and bilateral foot disorder were not incurred or aggravated during his period of active service.,There is no evidence in the record to support a finding that any current disorders are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his cervical spine disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new examination.

The Board has granted service connection for dermatitis, finding that the Veteran's skin condition had onset during active service. The Board denied service connection for low back disorder and sinusitis due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service. Service connection was also denied for left carpal tunnel syndrome as there is no evidence showing it began in service.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with radiculopathy to the left leg is currently rated at 20 percent, reflecting a moderate disability.

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

The Veteran's loss of use of both lower extremities is not attributable to his service-connected lumbar spine disability, and thus he does not meet the criteria for SMC based on such a condition.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to his service-connected disabilities, including a low back disability and bilateral pes planus. The Board has ordered remand for additional development of the claims, particularly regarding the low back disability and effective dates.

The Board denied service connection for back disability, including spondylosis of the lumbar spine and degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar, cervical and thoracic spine, as well as numbness of the left side. The decision was mixed, with some issues granted and others not.