Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbar spondylosis is etiologically related to his period of active duty service, as a superimposed disease or injury on the congenital S1 posterior fusion defect.

The Board found no evidence of a current right or left arm condition, lumbar spine condition, or skin condition (pseudofolliculitis barbae) related to service.,Service connection was denied for all claimed conditions.

The Board determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy do not warrant increased ratings prior to or since August 12, 2016.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by her attorney prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the Veteran with a VA examination to assess his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder and bilateral foot disorder due to insufficient consideration of the Veteran's lay assertions regarding the etiology of his conditions.

The Veteran's back disability, rated as intervertebral disc syndrome with bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, is currently assigned a 60 percent rating effective since April 5, 2017. The claim for an increased rating prior to that date remains denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder disorder, left knee disorders, right knee disorder, and low back disorder. The claim for hypertension is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's low back disorder and hypertension are found to be related to service, with the Board granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there is no current evidence of the claimed disabilities. The claim for residuals of a metacarpal fracture was granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including a new VA examination and obtaining updated medical records. The Veteran's low back disability is still under consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back and right hip disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and arthritis may not be presumed to have been incurred therein.

The Veteran's gouty arthritis, hiatal hernia with esophageal reflux, and chronic low back strain with mild degenerative changes are all rated at the maximum allowable under their respective diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's lumbar back strain and prostatitis claims have been reopened due to new and material evidence. Service connection is granted for the lumbar back strain, but not for DMII or prostatitis as there is no evidence of herbicide agent exposure in service.

The Board has granted service connection for a left ankle disorder and a back disorder, both diagnosed as degenerative and arthritic changes.,However, the compensable rating issue for conjunctival injection with left eye nasal pinguecula remains pending.

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, right knee degenerative joint disease, and left knee degenerative joint disease are found to be related to his active service. The claims for right and left knee disabilities are remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been withdrawn. The Board has dismissed the appeals as they are no longer in contention.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back, bilateral knee, and bilateral foot disorders. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's neck and upper back conditions are related to her active service, with reasonable doubt resolved in her favor.