Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder and sciatic nerve peripheral numbness in the lower extremities are service-connected. The disability rating for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis is increased to 50% effective March 13, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his low back disability was denied. The initial rating of 20 percent prior to January 7, 2009, and the subsequent rating of 40 percent beginning March 1, 2009, were both found insufficient.

The Veteran's osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 20 percent disabling, effective October 17, 2012. The radiculopathy of the lower right extremity remains rated at 10 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a TDIU, including on an extra-schedular basis, due to the need for further development and consideration of his increased rating claim for service-connected lumbar spine disability. The VA will also consider whether he is eligible for a schedular TDIU based on his combined disability ratings.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and a right leg disorder, finding no evidence of such disorders in service or that they are related to any current service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO. The issues include compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151, severance of service connection, and an increased evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for examinations to assess his service-connected disabilities' impact on his ability to work.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder, eczema, and hemorrhoids are all service-connected. The decision also addressed whether a timely notice of disagreement was filed for her left knee disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected back disabilities. The claim will be readjudicated after this additional evidence has been considered.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision on the service connection claims for low back disability, bilateral hip disability, and left knee disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling an examination. The issues of a higher rating for his low back disability and TDIU are also part of this appeal.

The Veteran's low back disability, characterized as a herniated lumbar disc with bilateral lumbar radiculopathy, warrants a 40 percent rating. He also has separate 20 percent ratings for right and left lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain was granted a rating of 40 percent effective January 14, 2011. The separate 10 percent rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy prior to January 14, 2011, was denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of any outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted from July 31, 2006, and continuing thereafter uninterrupted.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative changes at L4-5 is rated as 10 percent disabling, and her right foot strain is also rated as 10 percent disabling. The ratings are considered appropriate based on the severity of her symptoms.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his thoracolumbar and cervical spine degenerative arthritis are being remanded due to the need for additional development of medical records.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal with regard to all issues before the Board.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examination, as well as obtaining information from SSA.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded to obtain updated VA and private treatment records, as well as additional examinations. The case will be reviewed after these actions.