Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2015

The Veteran's service-connected cervical and lumbar spine disorders are currently evaluated at the 20 percent rating, which is the maximum schedular evaluation available under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The evidence does not support a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent, the maximum schedular rating available for a severe lumbosacral strain with associated neurologic impairment. Service connection has also been granted for radiculopathy resulting from sciatica affecting the right lower extremity.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease with left upper extremity radiculopathy, cervical spine is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of all relevant evidence.

The Board finds that the Veteran's low back disability, diagnosed to include arthritis, had its onset during service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and lumbar spine are related to his period of active duty for training, thus granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for low back IVDS with DJD was granted, and he is currently rated at 20 percent. The issue of service connection for a cervical spine disability secondary to his service-connected low back disability remains unresolved.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with notice of VA examinations and a request for additional evidence. The Veteran is required to provide any authorized records, and he will be scheduled for VA examinations to determine if his knee and back conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current state of her condition, as there may have been significant changes since her last evaluation in July 2008.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need to obtain medical records and information related to a potential asbestos-related lawsuit.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a back disorder and granted service connection for atrial fibrillation. The claim of entitlement to an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for hypertension is being remanded due to lack of a Statement of the Case (SOC).

The Veteran's low back disability has been productive of painful motion with limited flexion to at least 30 degrees but without unfavorable ankylosis, warranting a 40 percent rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The Board notes that the Veteran has not provided sufficient evidence to establish a link between his current conditions and military service or Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 10 percent, and left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy is also present but not separately evaluated as it is part of the same disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining German medical records and a VA examination to address the etiology of his lumbar spine disorder with resulting bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has granted service connection for thoracolumbar spine disability, diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy, and a peripheral circulatory disorder, all presumed to be related to the Veteran's military service in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case due to a scheduling issue and will be reconsidered by the RO.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's VA medical records and to provide him with a VA examination for his hearing loss, low back disability, bilateral foot disabilities, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity. The examiner will be asked to determine if these conditions are related to service, including presumed Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to the agency of original jurisdiction due to scheduling issues for a videoconference hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing the Veteran with appropriate examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.