Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates were granted, with the low back strain receiving a 20% rating effective April 25, 2011. The deep non-linear scar of the left leg received a separate 10% rating effective June 7, 2011. Other painful scars of the left leg and reflex sympathetic dystrophy of the left lower extremity were also granted ratings.

The Board found that the Veteran's current degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was not related to service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a lack of adequate opinion regarding the etiology and onset of the Veteran's back disability.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for all issues related to PTSD, sciatica of the right lower extremity, sciatica of the left lower extremity, and degenerative disc disease and herniated nucleus pulposus of the lumbar spine.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations, records review, and medical opinions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for a back disability and hearing loss. The Veteran's back disability is found to be service-connected, while his hearing loss is not.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine DDD and right knee DJD, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his active service. Service connection was denied for left knee DJD as secondary to the right knee DJD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability with associated neurological impairment in the right lower extremity originated during his most recent period of active service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed lumbar spine disability, to include degenerative disc disease (DDD), is as likely as not related to his active military service.

The Veteran's back disability is service-connected, and he was granted a compensable initial evaluation for his bilateral hearing loss prior to November 4, 2010. From that date forward, the Veteran's hearing loss has been rated as 20 percent disabling.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disorder is related to his military service and has granted service connection for this condition. The right ankle/foot disorder issue remains pending as it was not addressed in the decision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to unclear medical opinions and missing records. The Veteran is seeking service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and a left hip disorder, which may be related to his military service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased evaluations of fracture, deformity, right foot due to multiple fractures of tarsal bone; ankylosis, right ankle; and strain, left foot prior to the Board's decision.

The Board denied service connection for status-post low back injury, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The Veteran's claims were not supported by evidence showing a link between his current conditions and active duty service.

The Veteran's postoperative residuals of thoracolumbar fusion at T9 and L1 are currently rated at 20 percent, effective March 22, 2012. The Veteran's cervical intervertebral disc syndrome is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a personal hearing before a member of the Board by live videoconference. The issues include seeking an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for anxiety syndrome and seeking service connection for a low back disability.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability is related to his active military service, and the Board finds that the criteria for service connection are met. The low back and right lower extremity disabilities are inextricably intertwined with the hypertension claim and will be deferred until the hypertension issue is resolved.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed low back disability, including spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis, did not originate in active service or until years thereafter, and is not otherwise etiologically related to any period of active service or service in the Reserves.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine if the Veteran's pre-existing lumbar spine disability was aggravated by his period of service. The case will be returned for a VA examination and consideration.