Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claims for service connection for epistaxis, migraine headaches prior to March 5, 2010, left hip bursitis prior to March 5, 2010, and lumbar degenerative arthritis prior to March 5, 2010 have all been granted. The Veteran's claims for evaluations of these conditions are also granted.

The Veteran's service-connected thoracic and lumbar spine strain was granted an initial disability rating of 20 percent as of May 31, 2013. The condition is manifested by flexion limited to approximately 35 degrees on flare-ups.

The Board has determined that there is no current evidence of residuals from frostbite to the feet. The Veteran's low back disorder and bilateral pes planus are not service connected.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA and private medical records, scheduling appropriate examinations to assess the nature and severity of his lumbar strain disability, and determining if he is entitled to a TDIU.

The Veteran's low back disability has been granted service connection effective August 31, 2006. The initial rating of 10 percent is maintained.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, to include degenerative disc disease, and left shoulder disability are being remanded for additional development as the Board finds that a VA examination is necessary to determine their etiology.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, including consideration of whether his current condition is related to or aggravated by his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss and lumbar spine degenerative joint disease was denied as there is no evidence of current disability in either condition.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy is etiologically related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type 2. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the face and upper and lower extremities has been granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability was granted with an effective date of September 16, 2011. The appeal is based on reopening the previously denied claim.

The Veteran requested withdrawal of all issues on appeal, and the Board has dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable during the time periods at issue, as his combined evaluation was sufficient to meet the percentage requirements for a schedular TDIU and he had other factors that prevented employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability, including spondylosis and degenerative disc disease, is at least as likely as not related to his parachute service in the Army. The claim for service connection is therefore granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for scheduling a Board video-conference hearing.

The Board finds that service connection for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine is granted as the evidence is at least in equipoise that the Veteran's disability is related to his military service.

The Board granted an initial disability rating of 20 percent for the Veteran's low back disability, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran also had his claim for TDIU considered and was granted based on service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, including IVDS and degenerative arthritis, is rated at 40 percent from February 5, 2015. His sciatica of the right lower extremity remains at a 40 percent rating since that date.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is found to have its onset during his active service and is granted service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 20 percent for lumbar radiculopathy of the left lower extremity was denied. The Board found that his disability manifested in no more than moderate incomplete paralysis, warranting a 20 percent rating.