Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied as there is no current disability to account for the abnormal lab results and his skin and nail conditions are not related to service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disability and determined that new evidence received since the final denial supports a finding that his current condition is related to his active military service.

The Veteran's left eye disability was granted a 30% rating, effective from the date of the January 2011 VA examination. His hypertension and lumbar spine condition were also granted increased ratings.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 10 percent, the minimum rating available under the General Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The evidence does not support a higher rating as his range of motion remains within the limits required for a 20 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development, including a VA orthopedic examination and nexus opinion. The claims are inextricably intertwined with the outcome of the chronic back disorder claim.

The Board found that the Veteran's current low back disability is less likely related to his in-service injury and denied service connection for a low back disability. The claim for increased ratings for sinusitis was also denied.

The Veteran's lumbar spine spondylolisthesis has been manifested by forward flexion limited to 60 degrees, with pain, tenderness, and muscle spasms since May 1, 2009. The criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent have not been met.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his authorized representative prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative joint disease was granted a 10 percent disability rating effective July 30, 2013.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU, finding that his service-connected degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine did not warrant a rating in excess of 40 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his claims, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining SSA records.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to be incurred in service, and his claim of low back disorder has been reopened. Service connection for both conditions is granted.

The Veteran's bilateral wrist tendonitis and lumbar spine strain have been granted service connection, with the wrist condition receiving a separate rating.

The Board is remanding the claims for service connection due to incomplete evidence and need for further examination.,The Veteran's hearing loss claim will be remanded as there are insufficient medical opinions regarding noise exposure during service.,The Veteran's psychiatric disorder claim will be remanded as his in-service combat experience needs clarification.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for residuals of a back injury/low back disorder. The Veteran's current low back condition is considered secondary to his service-connected right tibia fracture, but it was less likely caused by an in-service injury or event.

The Veteran's PTSD with cognitive disorder is rated at 50 percent disabling since June 22, 2010. The rating will remain at this level as the symptoms do not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as there are no compensable ratings for any of the claimed conditions and service connection was not established for any of them.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and his radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is separately evaluated. The Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating for either condition.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and PTSD. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Veteran's low back strain has been evaluated at 10 percent disabling, and higher ratings are not warranted.,Service connection for an upper back/cervical spine condition is denied as there is no evidence of such a condition during service or due to a service-connected disability.