Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left arm disability, left thumb and finger disability, and back disability was denied. The evidence does not show the presence of any current disabilities or a link to service.

The Board has remanded the claim for a TDIU due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's ability to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities, particularly considering the impact of opioid use.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to August 12, 1988 was denied as he did not meet the schedular requirements and there is no evidence of unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's radiculopathies in both lower extremities are rated at 20 percent since February 1, 2016. The appeal for higher ratings is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent, as there is no evidence of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes. The cervical spine disability also did not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc disease is currently rated at 40 percent, effective from March 21, 2003. The Board has granted an increased rating for this condition.

The Veteran's lumbar spine DJD was rated at 10 percent prior to August 2, 2016 and at 20 percent thereafter. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating in either period.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's claims for service connection for left leg disability and lumbar spine disability are pending.

The Board found that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the feet and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, as her conditions are not shown to be related to active duty or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities. The claims will be reconsidered in light of all pertinent evidence.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to service connection for various conditions, as well as a claim for educational assistance benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The Board has determined that these claims require additional development and will be remanded to the AOJ.

The Board found that the Veteran's back disability was not caused or aggravated by service or her service-connected cervical strain.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his lumbar spine disability was denied. The RO reduced the rating from 40 percent to 10 percent, effective prior to August 16, 2013.

The Veteran's low back disorder is found to have been incurred in service, and his pseudofolliculitis barbae has been granted an increased rating.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and bilateral knee disabilities, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his service-connected pes planus. The claim for a neck disability is denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis.

The Board found that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disability did not have its onset during service and is unrelated to an injury, disease, or event of service origin. The disability was also not caused or aggravated by pes planus.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, COPD, exudative pharyngitis, and bilateral hearing loss disability. The decision also addressed his PTSD claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are not of such severity that they effectively preclude him from securing or following all forms of substantially gainful employment for which the Veteran's education and occupational experience would otherwise qualify him.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disorder, including any associated neurological impairment. The case is therefore being remanded for this purpose.

The Board found that the Veteran's current cervical spine disability, including degenerative disc disease and canal stenosis with right upper extremity radiculopathy, is not related to his military service. The claim for service connection was denied.