Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2013

The Veteran's initial ratings for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity have been granted, but he is seeking higher evaluations. The current ratings are based on limitation of motion and associated symptoms.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, including DDD and spondylolithesis, did not manifest during service or within one year of discharge. The examiner opined that it is less likely than not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's compression fracture of the L3 segment of the lumbar spine is etiologically related to service-connected PTSD and therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's current neck disorder and back disability did not manifest during or as a result of active military service, thus denying his claims for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's current back disability is not related to an in-service injury and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and industrial background.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back complaints in service were acute and resolved without residuals, and a chronic low back disability was not manifested in service. The current low back disability is not shown to be related to his service, including complaints noted therein.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and consideration of the evidence added to his claims file. The issues include rating higher than 30 percent for a mood disorder, higher than 20 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, higher than 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of the right knee, higher than 10 percent for lateral instability of the right knee, and higher than 10 percent for a left knee disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a right leg amputation and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, affect his ability to move without assistance. As such, he meets the criteria for a special home adaptation grant.

The Veteran seeks service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine. The RO has remanded the case due to a lack of a VA examination.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability with associated arthritis and hip conditions is rated at 40 percent, effective June 17, 2009.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome. Service connection is granted for a lumbar spine disability, depressive disorder with anxiety, and bilateral ankle, knee, hip, wrist, elbow, and shoulder disabilities due to undiagnosed illness or in-service exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and major depressive disorder. The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated as 20 percent disabling.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of a lumbar spine disorder and denied an increased rating for cervical spine disability. The Veteran's right foot disability issue is pending.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for his current low back, right hip and right knee disabilities as secondary to his service-connected fracture of the right tibia and fibula. The Board has determined that further development is necessary before a final decision can be made.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining missing service records and a new VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disorders.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine and left lower extremity disabilities, including his left knee disability, are not related to service. The VA examiners concluded that these conditions were not caused or aggravated by a heel injury sustained in service.

The Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities were evaluated, with the cervical strain receiving a 20% rating effective June 16, 2009. The lumbar strain was not rated as it did not meet criteria for any specific disability evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a new opinion on his employability and reviewing the claims file to ensure all relevant evidence has been considered.

The Board denied the claims for reopening of service connection for right and left knee disorders, cervical spine disorder, low back disorder, bilateral hip disorder, radiculopathy of upper extremities, neuropathy of lower extremities, and psychiatric disorder due to lack of evidence establishing a nexus between these conditions and service.