Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2017

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for hypertension and service connection for low back disorder. The preponderance of evidence shows that his hypertension does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating, while his low back disorder is not currently diagnosed.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied. Service connection and a noncompensable rating were granted for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with associated radicular symptoms in his bilateral lower extremities. The issue of service connection for psoriasis remains pending as it requires further review.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and further development is required.

The Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine conditions are found to have been aggravated by service, warranting service connection.,Bilateral hearing loss is not supported by the evidence of record.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability did not have its onset in service or for many years thereafter and is not otherwise etiologically related to service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for a back disability is denied.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for lumbar strain with degenerative changes and granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD, effective from July 7, 2010. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a back disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's back disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board has determined that the evidence shows a combined range of motion of less than 120 degrees, warranting a higher 20 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, characterized as schizophrenia, is at least as likely as not related to service. The decision on low back disability remains pending due to mixed results in the appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain disability has been manifested by pain with limited motion, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a back disability, including degenerative joint disease. The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's right hip bursitis and left foot hallux valgus are service-connected, with the latter receiving a higher initial rating. The cervical spine disability and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine also meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for higher disability ratings were granted, with a rating of 20 percent assigned for his left lower extremity radiculopathy since March 19, 2012.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and low back disorder were denied. The claim for a higher rating for depressive disorder was granted, with the Veteran receiving a 70 percent disability rating.

The Board finds that the Veteran's low back disorder, fractured ribs, hypertension, and abdominal aortic aneurysm were not incurred in or aggravated by service.,There is no clear and unmistakable evidence showing these conditions existed prior to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation from November 1, 2005 forward. The Board granted TDIU effective November 1, 2005.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and is not related to his military service. The claim for service connection for a back disability is denied.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40% and his left lower extremity radiculopathy is separately evaluated at 20%. The Board granted the increased ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and industrial background.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's scoliosis and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease are service-connected, with no disputes regarding these conditions.