Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2016

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current low back disorder related to service and denied his claims for service connection. The claim for temporary total evaluation due to convalescence following lumbar spine surgery was also denied as there is no established service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral foot disabilities are found to have caused or aggravated her current disabilities of the bilateral ankles, knees, hips, and low back.

The Veteran's mechanical low back pain has been manifested by some limitation of motion and pain, but not resulting in intervertebral disc syndrome with incapacitating episodes. The disability does not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Board found no evidence of an in-service low back injury or disease, and the current lumbar spine degenerative joint disease is not related to service. For psychiatric disorders, there was no corroborated in-service stressor for PTSD, and the acquired psychiatric disorders are not etiologically related to service.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for low back, bilateral ankle, and bilateral knee disabilities due to additional development being required.

The Board has granted service connection for DM and PTSD, as well as for low back disability. The Veteran's other claims are pending further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a left knee or low back disability during the period of his claim, and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was evaluated as noncompensable in September 2015.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a ratable back disability related to service and therefore, service connection for a back disability is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development due to missing medical records from various locations, including Seoul, South Korea; Yokota, Japan; and Yokosuka, Japan. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after these records are obtained.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain was evaluated at 10 percent prior to April 3, 2015. As of April 3, 2015, the Veteran is entitled to a 20 percent evaluation for his lumbosacral strain.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral DDD with L4 wedging was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for such an increase.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative joint disease, lumbar spine. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) is pending and will be addressed in the remand portion.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches and lumbar strain with scoliosis and degenerative disc disease have rendered her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to April 3, 2013.

The Board found that the Veteran's current low back disability is not due to a disease or injury incurred in active service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current cervical spine disability is not related to his active duty service or any service-connected condition, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disorder is not related to his active duty service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability and lumbar spine disability were evaluated as 10 percent prior to April 16, 2013. From April 16, 2013, the Veteran's cervical spine disability was rated at 30 percent and his lumbar spine disability was rated at 40 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a VA examination and ensuring all necessary records are obtained.

The Board denied the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for a back disability, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The Veteran's low back disability, diagnosed as DDD, was not shown to meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to August 7, 2008.