Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2015

The evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's current degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with compression fracture at L2 is related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Board hearing. The issue of TDIU prior to March 10, 2009 remains on hold until further notice.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has not manifested forward flexion of 30 degrees or less, and there is no evidence of favorable ankylosis. Therefore, a higher rating in excess of 20 percent for the lumbar spondylosis is denied.

The Board has determined that additional VA examinations are needed for the Veteran's right shoulder and lumbar spine disabilities, as well as to determine the etiology of his current right ankle disability. The case is being remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for acne and lumbar spine degenerative joint disease were denied, while the claim to reopen service connection for a psychiatric disorder was also denied. The rating assigned for the lumbar spine degenerative joint disease is 20 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were granted. He is now rated at 30 percent for his left big toe disability, with additional ratings for his right foot condition, low back disability, and right hip disability due to residuals of the hairline fracture.,New evidence submitted since the June 2002 rating decision has reopened his claims for service connection for knee disabilities. He is now rated at 30 percent for each knee disability.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal through his authorized representative.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for her low back disability and lower extremity radiculopathy have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show a current disability related to her inservice complaints of pelvic pain, which is necessary to establish service connection.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability was granted a 40 percent evaluation prior to April 18, 2014. The right lower extremity radiculopathy received a separate 20 percent evaluation prior to that date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current heart, bilateral hip, or low back disability associated with her service. As such, she cannot establish service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with scheduling a VA examination and verifying the Veteran's address. The claim will be returned for further development.

The Board found that the Veteran's back condition was not present during service and did not manifest until many years after service. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection or secondary service connection.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims of service connection for PTSD with depression, migraine headaches, and endometriosis. The Veteran is found to have a current diagnosis of PTSD with depression that is related to her active military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at his current address of record. The issues include service connection and rating claims for various conditions.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person was granted, with a rating assigned at 50% effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his low back disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and headaches was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not more nearly approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent for the low back disability under the General Formula.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder. Service connection is granted for low back disability, bilateral hearing loss, and sinus condition (allergic rhinitis).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine and right hip disabilities are not caused or aggravated by his service-connected right hamstring disability, and therefore denied both claims.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, prior to January 5, 2006, did not meet the criteria for a rating greater than 10 percent.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder, finding no current disability and insufficient evidence to establish a link between the in-service injury and any current condition.