Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2016

The Board found that the Veteran's back condition is not related to his service and concluded that it was secondary to a post-service work injury. The claim for service connection on this basis has been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome is service-connected, as it was incurred during his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for low back, bilateral hip, and bilateral knee disabilities as they are found to be directly related to the Veteran's service-connected pes planus.

The Board found that the Veteran's current back disability did not manifest within a year of service, is unrelated to his in-service back injury, and was neither caused nor aggravated by a service-connected disorder. Therefore, service connection for a lower back disability is not warranted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back, right shoulder, bilateral wrist, bilateral elbow, and bilateral knee disabilities due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has granted separate compensable ratings of 10 percent for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy associated with the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, effective December 14, 2007.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee, hip, and low back disabilities are related to his service-connected cold injury residuals of the bilateral feet.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for lumbar intervertebral disc syndrome and entitlement to a TDIU due to service-connected disability are being remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since February 16, 2013. As such, TDIU is granted for this period.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a supplemental opinion from a VA examiner regarding the Veteran's low back disability and TDIU claim. The issues of service connection and TDIU are inextricably intertwined.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is not service connected as it did not manifest during service or within one year thereafter, and there is no evidence linking it to his service-connected left foot condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, migraines, a low back disability, a neck disability, and a right shoulder disability, have rendered her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his chronic fatigue syndrome and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance. The Veteran is in need of regular aid and assistance due to his physical or mental incapacity.

The Veteran's appeal is denied for all issues except the entitlement to an extended period of a temporary total rating for convalescence status-post total right knee replacement, which has been remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected lumbar strain and thoracic scoliosis is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and updated medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right shoulder condition is not related to service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has reopened the previously denied and final claims of service connection for a heart disability (Atrial Fibrillation) and low back disability. The claim for service connection for hypertension is also granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a right leg disorder. The Veteran's back disorder is not considered secondary to his right leg disorder.

The Veteran's claims for neck disorder and lumbar spine disorder have been reopened, but the evidence does not support service connection.,The Veteran's claim for right knee disorder has been reopened, but the evidence does not support service connection.,The Veteran's claim for neurogenic bladder has been reopened, and it is related to a now service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, degenerative arthritis of the bilateral hips, and degenerative arthritis of the bilateral knees. The Board finds that these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.