Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2016

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disorders, including spondylosis, spinal stenosis, arthritis, degenerative facet hypertrophy, degenerative disc disease, and radiculopathy, are aggravated by his service-connected knee and ankle disabilities. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for his low back disability is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is not related to his service and may not be presumed to have been incurred in service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, a joint disability, a gastrointestinal disability, a lumbar spine disability, and a cervical spine disability have all been denied. The VA examinations did not find any current diagnoses of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and examination to address the issues of service connection, rating for DDD at L3-L4, and TDIU.

The Board found no evidence of a back disability or right knee disorder that was caused by service, and denied the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete compliance with previous remand instructions and the need for additional examination.

The Veteran's back disability (other than cervical myositis) is not related to service or a service-connected disability. The Veteran's headache disability has not been linked to his service-connected cervical myositis.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and readjudication due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability does not warrant a higher rating, and his secondary service connection for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity is granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, bilateral hip degenerative joint disease, and bilateral knee disability. However, it denied these claims as there was no evidence linking the current conditions to his active service.

The Board found no evidence of a low back disability during service or within the first post-service year, and concluded that any current low back condition is more likely due to normal wear and tear over time rather than military service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for reopening a claim of service connection for a neck disability, as well as for ratings in excess of 40 percent for a low back disability and right foot cold injury residuals, and for ratings in excess of 20 percent for left lower extremity and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy. The Board has dismissed these appeals.

The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 10 percent, effective July 25, 2012. The RO reduced the rating from 40 to 10 percent, but restoration of a 40 percent rating is warranted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's current bilateral foot, knee, and back disabilities. The Veteran is requested to provide any outstanding medical records and a VA examination will be scheduled.

The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 20 percent from February 28, 2007 through July 11, 2011. From July 12, 2011 onwards, the Veteran is entitled to a rating of 20 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining SSA and VA treatment records.

The Board has restored the Veteran's disability rating for DDD of the lumbar spine to 40 percent, effective April 1, 2009. The Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating as his condition does not meet the criteria for unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, right leg disability (including as secondary to right knee and ankle osteoarthritis), and respiratory disorder. The decision also found that the current ratings for right knee and ankle osteoarthritis were appropriate.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability, including DJD, DDD, and scoliosis, is related to his active service.