Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2016

The Veteran's low back disorder has been rated at 40 percent since August 22, 2013. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted for any period.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a spine examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current thoracic spine disability, including degenerative disc disease, is the result of a disease or injury in active military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability, diagnosed as mild degenerative arthritis to L5-S1 with small to moderate disc protrusion, is related to his active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's low back syndrome is rated at 40 percent since April 15, 2010. The Board granted a TDIU based on the combined effect of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating higher than 20 percent for chronic lumbar strain was granted, with a current rating of 20 percent.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds no evidence of additional functional impairment or other manifestations warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete development of records and the need for a Travel Board hearing.

The Board found that the appellant's low back disability did not manifest during his period of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) and is not related to such service, thus denying service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lower back disability is not related to his service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed back, cervical spine, left-sided neurological condition, and right hip disabilities are not related to service. The current diagnoses do not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher evaluation for his service-connected lumbar spine disability was granted, and he is currently receiving a 20 percent rating effective from February 14, 2004. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increased evaluation prior to this date.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his lumbosacral spine disability and associated radiculopathies were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted a 40 percent evaluation for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability from January 20, 2000 through March 18, 2008.

The Veteran's service-connected low back strain is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his current disability level.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and hypertensive heart disease, as well as service connection for diabetes mellitus. The decision also noted that macular degeneration was caused by service-connected hypertension.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is related to service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's low back disorder is not service-connected, as there is no evidence of a chronic condition in service or within one year thereafter. The current low back disability is less likely caused by his military service.,Insomnia and neuropsychiatric disorders are also not service-connected, with the Veteran's conditions more likely related to post-military incarceration rather than service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral hip disorder and a low back disorder, finding that there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions. The Board also found that any current hip or back disorders were not caused by service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current low back disability is not related to service and denied his claim for service connection.