Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support a finding of service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, as it was not caused by or related to any incident during military service.

The Veteran's back disability is not service-connected as it was not incurred or aggravated by military service. The Board found no link between the in-service injury and current chronic back disability.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for right knee, right hip, low back, and right hand disabilities. The claim for sinusitis was withdrawn by the Veteran during his hearing. Service connection is also granted for left shoulder impingement with AC joint arthritis.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability and reopened the claim. The Veteran's prostatic hyperplasia and erectile dysfunction have been remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and requests for further development, including scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back condition is related to service, and thus grants service connection for a low back disability. The right knee and left knee conditions are not shown to be related to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, bilateral knee disability, and esophagus condition. The denial of these claims is based on the lack of new and material evidence to reopen the previously denied claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist is currently rated at 10 percent, which does not meet his claim for a higher evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and requests for additional information from the Veteran.

The Veteran's back disability, characterized by incapacitating episodes with a total duration of at least 6 weeks during the past 12 months, warrants a 60 percent disability rating since October 13, 2011.

The Board denied an increased rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, finding that the Veteran's disability did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain was evaluated at a 10 percent rating. The Board found that the evidence did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 60 degrees, combined range of motion not greater than 120 degrees, or muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or spinal contour.

The Board found that the Veteran's pre-existing low back disorder, including spondylolysis and spina bifida at S1, did not increase in severity during service or within one year of discharge. The presumption against service connection was rebutted by clear and unmistakable evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment, and the Board finds that his TDIU claim should be granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's back disability, bilateral knee disorder, and hand tremor are related to his active service. The claims were granted.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was granted a 20% rating effective from June 11, 2009.

The Board has received notification from the appellant that he wishes to withdraw his appeals for hearing loss disability and tinnitus. As such, these issues are dismissed.

The Board has determined that there is no competent evidence linking the Veteran's low back and right shoulder disabilities to his military service, thus denying both claims for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's current thoracolumbar sprain is related to his active service, including heavy lifting during his tour of duty in Iraq.

The Veteran's current lumbar spine disability was incurred during or as a result of active duty service, and the Board finds that service connection is warranted for this condition.