Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2014

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 5243. The claim for a higher initial rating remains denied.

The Board denied service connection for the Appellant's back disability and tinnitus, finding no nexus to his periods of active duty or National Guard service. The claim for TBI residuals was granted with an effective date of September 25, 2006.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities are related to service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, sleep apnea syndrome, cervical spine disorder, and right arm disorder. The claim for service connection for a back disability was reopened but denied on the merits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed lumbar spine, bilateral lower extremity (frostbite), sinusitis, and jaw disorders are not related to service. The psychiatric disorder is presumed based on in-service trauma.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability was denied. His claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of a 20 percent disability rating for his neurological deficits in the right lower extremity is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Veteran was granted a compensable rating for de Quervain's disease of the left wrist with compartment release after December 7, 2013, but her other claims remain denied.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety disorder, is likely related to his military service. His back disability is also found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for initial disability ratings for thoracolumbar spondylosis with L4-L5 and L5-S1 spondylosis and spinal stenosis, as well as defective visual acuity with vitreous floaters and presbyopia, are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back condition with right radiculopathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right ankle osteoarthritis. Service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is denied.

The Board has granted the claim for service connection for a lower back disorder. The remaining issues on appeal are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is service connected and his right leg radiculopathy claim is denied. The case is remanded for additional development regarding an increased rating for right hip osteoarthritis, a TDIU claim, and obtaining updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was granted, with an effective date of September 2010. The Veteran's thoracic spine disorder is not service-connected.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder; a heart disorder; and a right lower extremity disorder. The low back disorder was granted as service connected on a direct basis.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and providing notice regarding how to substantiate a claim for entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea was incurred in service, and she is granted service connection for this condition. However, there is no evidence of a current lumbosacral spine disorder that can be linked to her active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's diagnosed degenerative disc disease and facet arthropathy of the thoracic/lumbar spine and cervical spine, which constitutes a complete grant of the benefits sought on appeal.

The Veteran's low back disorder is being remanded for a VA examination to address whether it is secondary to her service-connected left and right knee disabilities. The claim will be readjudicated after the additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability had its onset during military service and granted service connection for this condition.