Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2014

The Veteran's lumbar strain was rated at 10 percent, the lowest available rating under the applicable VA Rating Schedule. The Board found that his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating based on limitation of motion or other criteria.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral spine degenerative disc disease and left hip labral tear are currently rated at 10 percent, but do not warrant a higher rating based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's low back disorder is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining National Guard medical records and scheduling a VA spine examination to determine the etiology of his current low back disability.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need for additional development. The Veteran is required to provide information about any private medical records that may be relevant.

The Veteran's back disability, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, is found to be at least as likely as not incurred during service due to continuity of symptomatology. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's chronic conditions, including lymphedema of the left leg, diabetes mellitus type II, and spinal stenosis, require regular aid and attendance from another person. The Board has determined that these conditions meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is related to his documented in-service back injury, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's congenital scoliosis did not pre-exist his military service and was neither aggravated nor worsened by it. The current lumbar spine conditions are considered degenerative changes unlikely to be related to his brief period of active duty.

The Board has denied reopening of the claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that no new and material evidence was submitted to support these claims.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected low back disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining employment leave records and private medical records.

The Veteran's low back disorder is service-connected, and he was granted a rating of 30 percent for his PTSD. The ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities remain at 10 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain with multilevel degenerative changes and left lumbar radiculopathy are currently rated at 20 percent and 10 percent, respectively. The appeal for higher ratings is denied.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, rated as 20 percent disabling, has been productive of pain and decreased motion. The VA determined that the current rating adequately reflects his symptoms.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disorder is not related to his active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for cervical spine disability. The Veteran was also denied TDIU as his disabilities did not meet the schedular criteria.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease was denied by the Board. The current disability evaluation is 20 percent, effective from the date of the claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine, which is claimed to be secondary to his service-connected right knee disability, has been remanded due to inadequate medical opinion regarding aggravation.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable, and therefore remands for further development to obtain a medical opinion on his employability.

The Veteran's initial rating for his DDD of the cervical spine was granted, but he is also granted service connection for headaches that are secondary to his service-connected cervical spine disability.