Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for his service-connected low back disability and right shoulder disability are being remanded to allow for further development, including VA examinations.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as to the claim for service connection for a lower back disability due to the grant of service connection by the RO in February 2014. The remaining issue, regarding neurological impairment claimed as pain and numbness of the hip and thigh, is being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 40 percent disability evaluation for degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the thoracolumbar spine was denied by the RO, as the increase in rating occurred more than one year prior to his application.

The Veteran's traumatic arthritis of the lumbar spine resulted in limited forward flexion to 60 degrees, but did not result in ankylosis or associated objective neurological abnormalities. The disability was found to be noncompensable under the General Rating Formula for Disease and Injuries of the Spine.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals of the rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis, service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, a low back condition, residuals of frostbite/chemical burn, and right foot/ankle condition.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) of the lumbar spine has been granted, but no specific rating or effective date was assigned. The appeal is being remanded due to a request for a video conference hearing.

The Board has granted a grant of service connection for a right ankle disability on a secondary basis, increased the Veteran's migraine rating to 50 percent from April 20, 2009, and awarded TDIU based on his combined disability ratings.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of her lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as to assess her employability given her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for left wrist disability, back disability, and sinusitis.,The Veteran's current diagnoses of cervical strain, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and bilateral tendonitis are not related to her active duty service.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability was not incurred or aggravated in active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is service-connected, as it began during his active duty.,Regarding the left knee and shoulder disabilities, there is no evidence to support their occurrence or connection to service.

The Board has granted service connection for the diagnosed medial right knee degenerative joint disease. The low back disability claim is remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being returned to the Board for further development and consideration due to a need for additional examination and opinion regarding his lumbar spine disability, which he contends is secondary to his service-connected bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's cognitive impairment and other residuals of TBI not otherwise classified are currently rated at 70 percent disabling since January 18, 2011.,PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent disabling since June 15, 2010.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a left eye injury. The Veteran's other claims, including those involving the low back and sores of the mouth, are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and chronic rhinitis with eustachian tube dysfunction are all rated at their respective lowest possible compensable levels (10 percent) throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examination and development due to the need for a TDIU determination based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for a back disorder, but finds that there is no evidence to support a finding that his current back condition is related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings have been granted, with a 20 percent rating assigned effective from August 29, 2005. The decision does not specify the exact date of effectiveness for the new rating.