Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2014

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine DDD was not manifested by unfavorable spinal ankylosis or incapacitating episodes prior to August 15, 2014. Since then, the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise regarding the relationship between the appellant's current low back disorder and his military service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for residuals of a low back injury is granted.

The Board denied service connection for cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities, finding that the current conditions are not related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for migraine, a back disability, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities as secondary to service-connected malaria. The Veteran's December 1944 injury is also considered in determining the cause of his back disorder.

The Veteran's back disability, including degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, is found to be related to his active military service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his lumbar spine disability is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional treatment records.

The Veteran's low back syndrome and bilateral sacroiliac joint dysfunction are as likely as not related to his military service. The appeal of the left leg disorder is dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the Veteran's service dates and obtain relevant TRICARE treatment records. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Board has determined that a new examination and medical opinions are needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate previous examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require the need for aid and assistance of others for dressing, bathing, and feeding. The Veteran is also prone to falls due to his service-connected disabilities, necessitating regular aid and attendance.

The Board found no clear and unmistakable error in the denial of service connection for right knee and right shoulder disabilities. The low back and left knee disabilities were not shown to be related to service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims of entitlement to service connection for a right knee disability and back disability. However, the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of neck, bilateral hip, or acquired psychiatric disabilities, and there is no competent medical evidence linking any of these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's low back disability was initially rated at 10 percent prior to October 8, 2013 and increased to 20 percent from that date forward.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pars fractures, spondylolisthesis, and isthmic spondylolysis of the lumbar spine is granted. The Veteran also meets the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran seeks service connection for lumbosacral spine degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease with radiculopathy. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an addendum opinion from the VA examiner regarding the etiology of the Veteran's current chronic lower back pain.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease and arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, as well as his right lower extremity radiculopathy, are found to be related to service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his lumbar spine disability and radiculopathy of the lower extremities was denied. The Veteran's degenerative joint disease did not meet criteria for a higher rating, while his radiculopathy received appropriate ratings based on the severity of symptoms.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's DDD of the cervical spine is causally related to his active service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back condition and right leg sciatica or numbness are related to his service-connected knee conditions, specifically his total right knee arthroplasty. As such, these claims have been granted.