Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal was denied for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected lumbar spine disability and for service connection for degenerative disc disease.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent, the highest available under the old criteria. His gout is also rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining outstanding private treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to evaluate his claim for TDIU. The case will be returned to the Board for further review.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for review of additional evidence and a new VA examination. The TDIU claim has also been inferred as part of the increased evaluation claim.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current low back degenerative changes are related to his active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current degenerative arthritis, DDD, and spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine are related to his in-service back injury and disorders. The claim for residuals of a right foot injury is remanded due to conflicting medical opinions.

The Veteran's attorney was awarded a fee of $3,943.95 for services related to her service connection claims. The Board found that the award was in accordance with proper procedure and ordered.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for back and cervical spine disabilities were denied. The Board found that the current conditions are not related to service.,Regarding a psychiatric disability, the Veteran contends it began in service based on a psychiatric consultation report from September 1975.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a TBI, low back disability, and neck disability. The evidence did not establish that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have service connection for CTS, breast reduction surgery, or a low back disability due to lack of evidence showing onset during service or a link to service. The Board also found no new and material evidence to reopen her claim for cervical dysplasia.

The Board granted a 40 percent disability rating for the service-connected lumbar spondylosis and mechanical back pain of the lumbar spine from April 1, 2006 to April 26, 2007.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder and a back disorder, finding that there was no evidence of such disorders being related to his military service or any service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right shoulder, right ankle, left knee, left hip, mid-back, and bilateral thumb conditions are related to his service due to combat injuries. The appeal is granted.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine disability, bladder dysfunction, bowel incontinence, left lower extremity disability, and erectile dysfunction was denied by the Board. The Veteran is currently receiving a 40 percent rating for his lumbar spine disability from October 18, 2010 onwards.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his lumbar disability with sciatica, hypertension, and migraine headaches are being remanded to allow for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for depressive disorder, cervical strain, and lumbosacral strain have been granted. The initial ratings for cervical strain and lumbosacral strain are also granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and updating treatment records. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of her claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations. The issues include service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, initial evaluations for folliculitis and cellulitis of the scalp, a rating for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, and restoration of a 40 percent evaluation for lumbosacral strain.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disability, left shoulder disability, and left ankle disability are related to his service. The claim for increased rating for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.