Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The Board found no current hearing loss disability, and the Veteran does not have a compensable evaluation for his lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease and intervertebral disc disease.

The VA determined that the Veteran's traumatic arthritis of the lumbar spine does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent, as his range of motion is predominantly limited to 35 degrees of flexion.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's low back disorder is currently rated at 40 percent, effective May 2, 2011. He was granted a separate 10 percent rating for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity associated with his service-connected low back disorder.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his service-connected discogenic disease of the lumbar spine has been withdrawn, resulting in dismissal of the case.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection, finding that his conditions did not warrant higher ratings or additional benefits.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the nature and severity of his service-connected back disorder, specifically whether he has unfavorable ankylosis. The Veteran must also provide any private treatment records showing physician prescribed bed rest or treatment for incapacitating episodes from intervertebral disc syndrome.

From July 28, 2008 to June 10, 2009, the Veteran's lumbosacral spine disability was rated at 20 percent.,As of June 10, 2009, the Veteran's lumbosacral spine disability was rated at 10 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection of a low back disability, finding no new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is not related to service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disorder is not related to his service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed as a result.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim of service connection for a back disability and remanded it for further development.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected cervical spine disability is being remanded to obtain a VA examination and further development of the record.

The Board found no evidence of a service-connected low back disability and denied the claim.

The Veteran's TDIU is denied as the earliest effective date that meets the criteria for a TDIU was November 16, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a videoconference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO in Boston. The issues of entitlement to increased evaluations for sciatic neuropathy and radiculopathy are pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and consideration of his claims for service connection and increased ratings.

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

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's low back disability is related to his military service.