Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2016

The Veteran's PTSD, along with other service-connected conditions, has resulted in total occupational and social impairment since April 13, 2009. The Board granted a disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD effective from that date, and also granted TDIU based on the combined impact of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's current degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is at least as likely as not related to his diagnosed degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right foot, left foot, left hip, right hip, left knee, and right knee disabilities are all service-connected.,The Veteran's low back disability and cervical spine disability were also found to be service-connected.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for DDD of the lumbar spine, tinea versicolor, residuals of a wart removal on the right heel, and bilateral hearing loss were denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating schedule.

The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 20 percent from December 8, 1989 to February 14, 1994. The claim of CUE in the 1970 rating decision denying service connection for low back strain was denied.

The Veteran's SMC for aid and attendance is restored as her condition has improved under ordinary conditions of life.,The Veteran's TDIU rating is restored due to sustained improvement in her back disability, allowing her to return to work with reasonable accommodations.

The Veteran's low back disability and headaches were not found to be related to service. The cervical strain was rated based on its current manifestations, while the radiculopathy of the right upper extremity was also rated based on its current symptoms.,Service connection for TDIU was granted as the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to work.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 10 percent, and his left upper extremity radiculopathy is currently rated at 20 percent. Both conditions are not found to warrant a higher rating based on the current evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disorder secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left shoulder condition and for tinnitus.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for back and left knee disabilities, but the case is being remanded to obtain updated treatment records and a VA examination.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current diagnosis of arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine with lumbar strain is related to service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected low back disability does not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 20 percent, and there is no evidence to support a higher rating based on current medical findings.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was reopened and granted service connection. The right arm disorder claim is not established, but the rating for residuals of excision was restored to 50%. Other claims were either granted or denied.

The Veteran's headaches, rated at 50 percent disabling from November 30, 2009 to January 1, 2014, have been found to be severe enough to cause significant effects on his occupation as a self-employed auctioneer. The Board has granted an initial disability rating of 50 percent for headaches during this period.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder, finding that his current condition did not pre-exist his period of active duty service and was not aggravated by any service-connected conditions.

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

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted from October 16, 2006 due to his service-connected disabilities resulting in a combined rating of at least 60 percent.

The Veteran's low back disability, characterized by limited flexion to 30 degrees during flare-ups, warrants a 40 percent initial rating from March 5, 2004.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability, degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, is related to her active military service and grants service connection for this condition.