Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2016

The Veteran's low back disability was denied service connection due to lack of evidence linking the condition to his military service.,Service connection for left inguinal hernia and hernia scar was granted, with initial ratings of 10% each.

The Veteran's service-connected low back degenerative arthritis is currently rated at 40 percent effective July 30, 2014.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed cervical spine, back, left knee, and right wrist disorders did not have their onset during active duty service or are related to such service. The Veteran's headaches were also not linked to his military service.

The Board found that there is no evidence of a back injury during service and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a low back injury.,There is also insufficient evidence to establish service connection for pulmonary fibrosis, as the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that it was incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's service-connected left lower extremity radiculopathy and IVDS of the lumbar spine are rated at 20 percent and 40 percent, respectively. The Board has determined that an extra-schedular rating is not warranted for either condition.

The Board found no evidence of a low back disability during active duty service and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current disability manifested as a scar behind the right ear. However, he is entitled to service connection for burn scars of the back, shoulders, and hips due to an in-service injury incurred during ACDUTRA.

The Board found the VA opinions more probative and concluded that the Veteran's current low back disability is not related to his in-service injury, thus denying service connection.

As of July 28, 2015, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in unemployability due to his anxiety disorder and lumbar spine osteoarthritis.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a low back disability due to new evidence provided since the final April 1969 rating decision. The Veteran now meets the criteria for service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss, lumbar degenerative joint disease (DJD), and left leg radiculopathy have been granted service connection. A higher rating of 60 percent for CAD has also been granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and need for additional development of records.

The Board has restored the Veteran's 40 percent rating for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, finding that there was no actual improvement in her condition from the time of the December 2008 VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back condition is not related to his active duty service and therefore, denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and providing clarifying opinions regarding service connection for psychiatric symptoms and a lumbar spine disorder, as well as the appropriate disability rating for his right knee degenerative joint disease.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is found to be related to his service. The Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease, secondary to his right foot disability, was granted. He is also awarded a non-compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and a separate non-compensable rating for degenerative joint disease of the left foot. The Veteran's right foot disability is rated at 30 percent.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disorder, back disorder, and broken tailbone. The claims were not reopened as there was no new and material evidence received to reopen the claim for a cervical spine disorder. The Board also found that there is no current diagnosis of a back disorder or broken tailbone.

The Veteran's low back disability has been manifested by flexion of the thoracolumbar spine of 30 degrees or less, and did not manifest in unfavorable ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine or entire spine or incapacitating episodes due to intervertebral disc syndrome that required bed rest prescribed by a physician and treatment by a physician. The Veteran is entitled to a 20 percent rating for his low back disability.