Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was denied. The Board found that he did not meet the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 5237 at any time during the rating period.

The Veteran's claim for arthritis was granted, with a 20 percent rating effective September 12, 2006.,Her claim for increased ratings for her service-connected lumbar strain and fibromyalgia was partially granted. The lumbar strain received an initial increase to 20 percent from July 22, 2013 onwards, while the fibromyalgia remained at a maximum of 40 percent.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to October 11, 2013 was denied. The effective dates for service connection were also denied for both conditions.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for lumbar myositis is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and his Vocational Rehabilitation folder. The claims for increased rating and TDIU will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's combined disability rating has been consistently at 80 percent since March 9, 2006. The Board finds that the criteria for a higher rating have not been met.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 10 percent prior to September 1, 2015. From September 1, 2015 to July 17, 2016, the Veteran had unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine and is now rated at 40 percent disabling.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his compression fracture, L1 vertebra, with chronic lumbar strain is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board has granted the Veteran's TDIU claim, finding that his service-connected disabilities make it impossible for him to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has dismissed the issues of service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities due to a full grant of benefits sought on appeal with respect to those issues.,Service connection was granted for bilateral knee disability, but the Veteran's current bilateral foot disability is not supported by evidence showing it is related to service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is not related to his service, and thus denied. The right foot disability claim was not addressed due to lack of evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including rescheduling of VA examinations and obtaining private treatment records.

The Veteran's left lumbar radiculopathy is rated at 20 percent prior to January 15, 2015. The appeal was granted as the Veteran's condition meets the criteria for a 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's groin injury is not considered a current disability for VA purposes.,His low back condition has not been linked to service, and the Board finds that his current degenerative disc disease is not related to service.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic sinus disorder or low back condition during service, and the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.,Service connection for both the claimed sinus disorder (allergic rhinitis) and low back disorder was denied as there is insufficient medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has granted service connection for migraine headaches and arthritis of the lumbar spine. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) is again REMANDED.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to September 17, 2007 is being remanded due to the need for an additional VA examination and medical opinion regarding his employability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right hip disability is not related to service and is not secondary to a service-connected condition. The Veteran's right shoulder, left knee, and right knee disabilities have been rated based on their current severity.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic back disorder during service and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.,There is also insufficient evidence to establish a link between dementia and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability had its onset during active service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity have not met the criteria for a higher disability rating since April 16, 2009.