Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2017

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder and left shoulder disorder, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for a back disorder. The Board also found that there was insufficient evidence linking the current left shoulder condition to service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial evaluation for his intervertebral disc syndrome of the right lower extremity is granted, with a rating of 20 percent effective prior to May 2, 2017. The claim for a higher initial evaluation for his intervertebral disc syndrome of the left lower extremity is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine disability and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity are being remanded to allow for further development.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability and granted it, finding that his current condition is more likely than not related to his ACDUTRA service. The Board also found in favor of the Veteran on his claim for collarbone fracture residual disability, concluding that his current condition is more likely than not related to his ACDUTRA service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's back condition is not related to service or a service-connected disability and therefore denies his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following substantially gainfully employment, and the Board grants a TDIU for the entire appeal period.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disorder is not related to his service-connected right foot, left knee, and right ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including those related to Agent Orange exposure, were denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability in many of the claimed conditions and did not find a link between any condition and active military service or Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disorder of the lumbar spine is rated at 20 percent, reflecting significant forward flexion and combined range of motion.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability is rated at a 20 percent rating effective May 14, 2013. The Board finds that the evidence does not support an increase in the disability rating beyond this level.

The Board has ordered additional development to verify the dates of the Veteran's Reserve service, particularly his active duty for training (ACDUTRA) and inactive duty for training (INACDUTRA) periods. The case is REMANDED for further action.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claims can be decided, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to address the Veteran's bilateral foot disability, left ankle disability, and back disability.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn. The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a right testicular/groin disability, right leg disability, or lumbosacral spine disability. Service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The claim for left eye disability remains pending as it was not addressed in the decision.

The Veteran's left knee disorder is found to be related to his service-connected right ankle disability. Service connection for chronic lumbar back strain with mild disc narrowing is granted, but the claim is moot due to a current temporary total evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and attempting to obtain federal records. The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine disorder and left knee disorder are pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to inadequate examination reports and the need for additional medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome or any neurological disability of the upper extremities. The claim for service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and affording the Veteran with VA examinations to determine the current severity of her service-connected disabilities. The appeal is now pending before the AOJ.

The Veteran's service-connected cold weather residuals of the left and right lower extremities are rated at 30 percent each, effective August 17, 2010 to April 11, 2012. Effective April 11, 2012, her migraines are rated at 50 percent.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted.