Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for residuals of pilonidal cyst repair was denied, and his service connection claim for lumbar spine disorder was also denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have any current disability related to his pilonidal cyst or lumbar spine disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected back condition prior to July 1, 2011 was manifested by pain and stiffness with limited forward flexion. The current rating of 20% adequately reflects the severity of his disability.

The Board has granted service connection for depression as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected back disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining workers' compensation records and private treatment records. The TDIU claim is inextricably intertwined with the service connection issue.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of right leg disability, left leg disability, residuals of frost bite of the feet, and back disability have been denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left hand and lower back conditions are not related to his active service, and therefore denied both claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing. The issues of entitlement to increased ratings for left ankle disability and lumbosacral strain, as well as entitlement to a compensable rating for GERD, are pending.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were granted, with the hypertensive cardiovascular disease receiving a 60% rating effective August 6, 2013. The chronic lumbar strain received a 20% rating effective that same date.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and private treatment records from Dr. Hernandez.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and associated radiculopathy are related to her military service, and she is granted service connection for these conditions. The issue of an initial compensable rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis remains pending.

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc disease has been manifested by complaints of pain with range of motion, but not ankylosis or incapacitating episodes. The current evaluation is appropriate.

The Board found that the Veteran's current low back disorder did not have its onset during service or until many years following separation from service, and is not otherwise etiologically related to service or a service-connected disease or injury.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's anxiety and depression, as well as his degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, are related to service. The effective date for these conditions is not specified in this decision.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for back disorder, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, peripheral neuropathy of bilateral hands and feet, and cardiovascular disease. The evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his lumbosacral spine arthritis, intervertebral disc syndrome, lumbar scoliosis, and degenerative disc disease is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing and issuance of a Statement of the Case regarding the hepatitis claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional treatment records, as well as VCAA notice regarding his TDIU claim.

The Board has determined that a new examination is needed to determine the nature, onset and likely etiology of the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability. The appeal will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, finding no evidence of chronic disability in service or within one year post-service. The Veteran's current condition is not linked to her military service.