Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability was granted in an October 2012 rating decision. The appeal is dismissed as the benefit sought has been granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disorder, including narrowing of L5-S1 disc space with osteoarthritis, was not incurred in or aggravated by service and arthritis may not be presumed to have been incurred or aggravated therein.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back strain has been manifested by pain and limitation of motion, but not ankylosis. Therefore, a rating higher than 40 percent is not warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a videoconference hearing before the Board. The claims of service connection and rating for Achilles tendonitis and thoracolumbar spine strain are still pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back DDD was not caused or aggravated by any service-connected disability, including his service-connected hallux valgus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability was incurred during his service and is therefore granted for purposes of accrued benefits.

The Board has remanded the appellant's claims for further development, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing for his low back disorder claim and providing an SOC for his bilateral foot disorder claim. The appeal is not yet resolved.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The cervical spondylosis was rated at 20 percent, the lumbar spine disability at 10 percent, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity associated with the lumbar spine disability at 20 percent. His combined rating is 40 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right shoulder disability is unrelated to service, and thus denied his claim for service connection. The low back disability issue remains pending as further development is required.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for shortening of the right leg and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine are granted. The claim for an effective date prior to October 17, 2007 for a 10 percent evaluation for hearing loss in the right ear is denied. The TDIU claim is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left hemidiaphragm elevation with restrictive lung disease and sleep apnea, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted the claim for TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy. The evidence did not support a rating in excess of 40 percent for the right lower extremity or 10 percent for the left lower extremity.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative lumbar spine syndrome, myostatic thoracic syndrome and myotendinitic degenerative cervical syndrome. The Veteran's current back disability is considered to have developed during his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's neck and low back disabilities. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board found that the evidence does not support service connection for a low back disability and denied the claim. The Veteran's current low back condition is considered to be due to his military service, but it was less likely caused by an in-service injury or event.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records, arranging for a medical examination, and considering whether service connection can be granted for back disability and neurological disorder of the bilateral lower extremities.

The Board has ordered additional development due to outstanding records and the need for an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right knee and low back disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and examination, as it is unclear if the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is related to his military service.

The Board has determined that further evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder, back, and heart disorders.