Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2016

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 40 percent since April 9, 2014. The Board has granted this rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that none of them were incurred or aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran's lumbar spondylosis, spondylolisthesis, and degenerative joint disease was manifested by incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least six weeks during the past 12 months from February 23, 2009 to March 1, 2012. A rating of 60 percent for this period is granted.

The Veteran's currently diagnosed degenerative joint and disc disease with levoscoliosis and lumbar strain is related to an in-service motor vehicle accident, and the Board finds that service connection should be granted.

The Board has determined that a rating of 20 percent for the Veteran's low back disability is granted effective December 11, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her low back disability was denied by the Board, as the current evaluation of 20 percent adequately reflects the severity of her symptoms and functional impairment.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is granted as a result of service, and the back disability issue has been remanded for further examination. The right ear hearing loss initial rating remains noncompensable.

The Board has granted service connection for a right tibia fracture, a right knee disability (osteoarthritis), and a lumbar spine disability. The Veteran's current disabilities are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to the need for a VA examination and further evaluation of his service-connected cervical spine disorder and lumbar spine disability.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee osteoarthritis as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right knee injury. The lumbar spine disability is considered unknown due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar strain and a maximum schedular rating of 50 percent for migraine headaches. The Veteran's eye pterygium remains at the initial 10 percent rating.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left leg and knee disability. The Veteran reported an injury in 1972 during service, which he believes caused his current back and left leg/knee disabilities. A VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's lumbar degenerative disc disease with spondylolisthesis is rated at 40 percent since December 18, 2014. The radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities are each rated at 10 percent since December 18, 2014.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his conditions did not warrant a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has granted a TDIU effective May 21, 2011. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities precluded him from obtaining and maintaining all forms of substantially gainful employment as of April 19, 2007.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current low back disorder is less likely related to military service, including a fall off a truck in service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for his lumbar disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for hyperhidrosis, allergic rhinitis, and lumbar strain. The Veteran's current conditions are found to have been incurred during his active military service.

The Veteran's claim for a sleep disorder is dismissed as it has been granted by the RO.,Service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, secondary to bilateral knee patellofemoral syndrome, is not established.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is currently rated at 40 percent, the maximum available under VA regulations. The Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his disability.