Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2017

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability does not render him unable to secure or follow substantial gainful employment, as he is currently employed full-time. Therefore, the claim for a TDIU is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disorder is etiologically related to his active service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, right shoulder disorder, left shoulder disorder, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, cervical spine disorder, and lumbar spine disorder. The reasons given were that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or any presumptive exposure.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain additional medical records and ensure that all relevant evidence has been considered in deciding whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim of service connection for a low back disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to outstanding records and need for further medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability, including lumbar spondylosis and lumbar strain, was not manifest during his military service, was not related to his military service, and was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the Veteran's back disability. The appeal is now pending again.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back, neck, and acquired psychiatric disabilities are not service-connected as they are not causally or etiologically related to his military service.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including verification of her service periods and addendum opinions regarding her bilateral ear disability, low back disability, and claimed sore throat.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current diagnosed lumbar degenerative arthritis is not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected right knee and left hip disabilities.

The Veteran's chronic lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc changes and subjective radiculopathy has been rated at 20 percent since the date of service connection, March 31, 2010.

The Board has ordered a new examination to determine if the Veteran's lumbar spine disability was aggravated during his last period of active service from February 2003 to May 2004, and whether any increase in disability during that period was due to natural progression or aggravation.

The Board found that the Veteran's lumbar spine and right leg sciatica disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by service, nor are they proximately due to a service-connected disability. The VA examiners concluded there was no causal relationship between his service-connected right knee condition and his lumbar spine and sciatica disorders.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 10 percent prior to November 12, 2016 and higher than 10 percent thereafter.,The Veteran's lumbar spine compression fracture and sprain are not entitled to a rating higher than 20 percent.,The Veteran's L2-L4 left radiculopathy with meralgia paresthetica is rated at 10 percent prior to March 28, 2012.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's neck and lumbar spine disabilities are not related to service, and therefore denied his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded for additional medical opinions to address the impact of his service-connected scoliosis on his other thoracolumbar spine disabilities and any possible neurological complications.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant before a decision was made.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal of the claim for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's disability rating for lumbar spine DDD, L5-S1 was reduced from 20 percent to 10 percent effective April 1, 2010. The reduction was proper based on improvement in the disability.

The Board found no current evidence of a bilateral knee or shoulder disability, and the low back disability was not shown to be related to service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.