Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2017

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation prior to October 16, 2015.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a neck, back, or left knee disability etiologically related to his active duty service.,There is also no evidence of diabetes mellitus, type II in the record.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was granted an initial rating of 10 percent prior to April 19, 2014, and a rating of 20 percent thereafter. The separate rating for LLE radiculopathy remains at 20 percent.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for cervical strain, a higher rating for lumbosacral degenerative arthritis, and TDIU as the Veteran withdrew her appeal. The issue of an initial compensable rating for left ear hearing loss is remanded.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support a finding of service connection for the Veteran's DDD of the lumbar spine or left S1 radiculopathy, as these conditions are not shown to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee patellofemoral syndrome and lumbosacral strain with degenerative changes are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Board has found that the Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities are related to service, resulting in a grant of service connection. The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent disabling.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar spondylosis with IVDS, radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve of the right lower extremity, osteoarthritis of the right knee, and right knee instability are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine was evaluated at a 10 percent rating. The Board found that his condition did not meet or approximate criteria for a higher evaluation based on limitation of motion, and no additional functional impairment due to pain or other factors during flare-ups.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and associated left lower extremity radiculopathy were found to not warrant a higher rating than the currently assigned 20 percent for DDD of the lumbar spine, with no specific rating assigned for the radiculopathy. The Veteran's claim for increased ratings was denied.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder has been rated at 40 percent since June 2008, but the evidence does not support a higher rating.,Prior to October 25, 2014, the Veteran's cervical spine disorder was rated at 20 percent. As of that date, it is rated at 30 percent.,The Veteran has been granted TDIU effective October 25, 2014, but he seeks an earlier effective date for this benefit.,Service connection for fibromyalgia has not been established.,There are no issues regarding service connection or exposure basis.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations to assess her left knee and low back disabilities.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has been rated at 40 percent since November 15, 2016.

The Veteran's back disability, including degenerative arthritis and a herniated disc at L5-S1, has been rated as 40 percent disabling since November 17, 2016.

The Veteran's low back disability, diagnosed as lumbar degenerative facet and disc disease, is related to his service in the Republic of Vietnam. The Board finds that the evidence supports a grant of service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions and service treatment records. The issues of entitlement to service connection for left shoulder, knee, ankle, and back disabilities are also being addressed.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and providing a VA examination to assess the etiology of her skin disability, IBS, mouth sores, and back disability. The Veteran also needs an examination to determine the severity of her service-connected blepharitis of the right eye.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbosacral strain is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and development.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative before the Board could issue a decision.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 40 percent, effective from the date of the appeal. His neck disability is rated at 20 percent, also effective from the date of the appeal.