Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,Service connection for radiculopathy in both lower extremities was also denied, with the Board finding that there is no current evidence of such conditions.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Appellant's claims of service connection for a groin disability and a lower back disability, as his current disabilities are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating, as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.

The Board finds that the cause of death (cerebral hemorrhage) is not service-connected, and any pre-existing back disorder did not worsen during active duty.

The Board granted a higher initial rating of 50 percent for migraine headaches, effective from March 29, 2005. The Veteran's low back disability was not addressed in the decision.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was denied, as it did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation. The Board found that the Veteran's disability picture did not more nearly approximate the criteria for any higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate opinions in the June 2016 VA examination reports.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the etiology of the Veteran's neck and low back disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected low back disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability other than chronic lumbosacral strain was not incurred in or aggravated by active service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left knee and low back disabilities on a secondary basis to his service-connected left ankle disability.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for her service-connected lumbar spine disability, costochondritis, and hemorrhoids were denied. The claim of entitlement to a TDIU prior to April 19, 2007 remains on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability was not shown to meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation prior to October 6, 2016. The Veteran's parosmia has been rated as 10 percent disabling since the effective date of his service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination and referring the claim to the Director of Compensation and Pension Service for consideration of an extraschedular TDIU award.

The Board determined that the reduction of the rating for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease from 40 percent to 20 percent effective as of August 1, 2015, was improper and restored the prior rating.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including panic disorder and stress urinary incontinence, have rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board found that the Veteran's current low back disability, renal failure, and dialysis scars did not have their onset in service or are related to service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to maintain any form of substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational background.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected allergic rhinitis, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a request from the Veteran for VA treatment records from Palo Alto VA Healthcare System. The claims for service connection for lumbar spine disability and chronic thoracic strain are pending.