Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2017

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine was not manifested by forward flexion of 30 degrees or less, and no ankylosis was noted. The Board denied entitlement to increased ratings for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depressive disorder and multiple musculoskeletal conditions, have rendered her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since May 1, 2007.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability, characterized as degenerative arthritis in the spine, is service connected. The claim was reopened and granted based on evidence showing a pre-existing condition that manifested during service.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been withdrawn. The remaining issues are remanded for further development and readjudication.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and lumbar spine disorder are service-connected, but his gastrointestinal disorder is not. The Veteran was exposed to acoustic trauma in service and currently experiences symptoms of tinnitus. His lumbar spine disorder may be related to a past injury during active duty service. However, there is no evidence linking his current gastrointestinal disorder to service or any other condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further VA examinations and to obtain updated treatment records. The issues include increased disability ratings for various service-connected joint disabilities, as well as a claim for individual unemployability.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for a VA examination. The Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral shoulder, neck, and back disabilities are inextricably intertwined with his claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran was rendered unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities prior to October 2, 2014.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, headaches, and seizure disorder based on CUE in the prior rating decisions. Effective dates have been set accordingly.,A TDIU rating is also granted effective from July 26, 1979.

The Board has determined that the appellant's current back disability is not related to his period of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) in 1979, and thus service connection cannot be established.

The Veteran's heart disability is found to be etiologically related to active service, and the Board finds in favor of granting service connection for a heart disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral hip disability, low back disorder, and neck disorder. The issues were remanded multiple times but have not been fully addressed.

The Board found no evidence of a service-connected acquired psychiatric disability, low back disability, or hypertension. The Veteran's conditions are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's right knee injury, patella fracture, post-operative is not service-connected.,There is no evidence of a stomach condition related to military service. The Veteran's current gastritis and GERD are less likely caused by his prescribed medications for service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks due to symptoms such as sleep disturbance, depressed mood, and anxiety.,With reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran, his service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his thoracolumbar scoliosis with degenerative changes of the thoracic spine is being remanded due to incomplete records and further development is needed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a low back disability that had its onset during active service or is otherwise causally related to active service. The cervical spine, gastrointestinal, and acquired psychiatric disabilities are also not caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment, and the Veteran has been assigned a single disability rating that is at least 60 percent disabling. Therefore, TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 20 percent, effective September 1, 2012. The Board found that the criteria for a higher rating were not met and denied an increased rating.