Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2017

The Veteran's service-connected right lower extremity radiculopathy (right L5 radiculopathy) and erectile dysfunction have been granted effective from January 18, 2011. The initial evaluations for IVDS prior to November 1, 2011 are also granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including an updated VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected lumbar anterolisthesis with degenerative disc disease and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the percentage requirements for TDIU, but his employment history and current job do not show he is unemployable due to these conditions.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease is connected to service, and the Board has granted her claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his cervical spine disability was denied as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes, and the current rating adequately reflects the severity of his condition.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for low back disability, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy was dismissed due to the withdrawal of the appeal for an increased rating for a low back disability.

The Veteran's lumbar spine DDD and disc bulging was granted a rating of 20 percent from November 4, 2007 to August 21, 2013.

The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 40 percent, effective September 30, 2016. The rating has been in effect since this time.

The Veteran's mechanical low back pain with degenerative changes is rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations.,For his depressive disorder, not otherwise specified, a disability rating of 50 percent has been granted.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability has been rated at 30 percent, the highest schedular rating available for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability is related to service and granted his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 40 percent for service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, finding that referral for extraschedular consideration was not warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to obtain medical records and provide the Veteran with a VA examination to determine if his current left knee, cervical spine, and lumbar spine disabilities are related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of clarity in the request for authorization from the Veteran. The Veteran is asked to provide authorizations and releases for VA to obtain private medical records, including those from Lower Keys Medical Center.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling VA examinations to assess the nature and etiology of any diagnosed right hip disability and thoracolumbar spine disability. The Veteran's service-connected right hamstring is being considered as a potential cause or aggravation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a lower back disability and bilateral hearing loss, finding no current disabilities in these conditions.

The Board has remanded this matter to afford the Veteran a VA examination in order to assess the current level of functional impairment of his service-connected lumbar spine disability and associated radiculopathy. The Veteran failed to report for the scheduled examinations, so he is being rescheduled for another one.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left knee and lumbar spine disorders are not related to his active military service, as there is no evidence of chronic disabilities within one year post-service. The Board also noted inconsistencies in the Veteran's reports regarding when he first experienced symptoms.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current back disability causally related to service and denied his claim for service connection. The skin (body rash) disability was also denied as it is unclear if it is secondary to a service-connected condition.