Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain an adequate VA examination for his service-connected compression fracture of the lumbar spine and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity. The claims for increased ratings, TDIU, and initial rating will be considered in light of any new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is currently pending for a higher rating for his service-connected degenerative joint disease multi-level lumbar spine/DISH syndrome and TDIU. The case has been remanded to the RO for additional development of records.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected conditions have been denied. The current ratings of 10 percent are maintained.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 20 percent since January 29, 2001. The Board found that the criteria for a higher rating were met from March 30, 2010 to January 24, 2016.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for various conditions, including bilateral elbow disability, back disability, bilateral knee disability, chest pain, lower extremity numbness, headaches, and insomnia. The decision concluded that these disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board found no evidence to support a finding that the Veteran's low back disability is related to his active service or any service-connected conditions, and thus denied the claim.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral leg disorder and low back disorder, finding that there is no evidence of a direct relationship between her current disabilities and her military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability and psychiatric disorder are not related to service or a service-connected condition, thus denying both claims.

The Veteran's hip replacements were not due to VA treatment, but rather the result of his own avascular necrosis.,VA did not find any fault on their part in causing the Veteran's bilateral femoral head necrosis.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including scheduling a video conference hearing.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the low back and right knee disabilities before a decision was made.

The Veteran is not entitled to a disability rating in excess of 20 percent prior to February 20, 2015 for his lumbar spine disorder. The Board finds the evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's range of motion was limited to 30 degrees or less before February 20, 2015.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities, including a newly service-connected right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bladder outlet obstruction and left knee, spine, and neurological disabilities of the lower extremities, have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since May 21, 2004.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and higher evaluations have been denied. The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for psoriatic arthritis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations to assess his service-connected disabilities.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's death, and no decision was made on whether new evidence had been presented or if service connection should be granted for arthritis of the lumbosacral spine.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial disability rating in excess of 40 percent for his service-connected low back disorder was withdrawn. The Board granted the TDIU claim, finding that the Veteran is unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for the issues of service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability, bilateral knee disability, bilateral foot disability, bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, and skin disability. The appeal is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back condition is not service connected, as there is no evidence of a nexus between his current low back disability and his period of service. The right ankle condition was also found to be unrelated to the low back condition.