Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2017

The Board has denied all claims for service connection as there is no probative evidence of a current disability or link to active service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine is being remanded due to the need for updated VA examination and treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of a lumbar spine disability was withdrawn. The Board granted an increased rating of 30 percent for residuals of left ankle fracture, effective November 16, 2007.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain or retain substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted TDIU.

The Veteran's back disability and current coronary artery disease are found to be related to service, while his right knee condition is not.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar IVDS did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it was not productive of forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, ankylosis, incapacitating episodes, or neurological impairment other than compensable bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent, and his radiculopathy of the right lower extremity does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the previously denied service connection claims for migraines, tinnitus, a bilateral hand disability (left and right), a left foot disability, an eye disability, a neck disability, a back disability, and a bilateral arm disability. The Veteran's claims of service connection remain denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for his low back disability and service connection for a bilateral foot disorder, finding that the evidence did not support higher ratings or service connection.

The Board has remanded the appeal due to the need for additional development, including new VA examinations and obtaining outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for his lower back condition is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is currently rated at 30 percent, effective from August 19, 2008. The RO has granted service connection for this condition and assigned a separate rating of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disabilities are not etiologically related to his military service and therefore denied the claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's current skin condition and lumbar spine disorder were not incurred in or caused by his time in active duty service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current low back, bilateral knee, and bilateral hip disabilities are not proximately due to or worsened in severity beyond normal progression of the respective disease by the service-connected cavus disease of the feet.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease was rated at 20 percent prior to September 16, 2012 and from October 1, 2013. The Board found that the criteria for a higher rating were not met.,The Veteran is service-connected for multiple disabilities with combined ratings of 70%. He has been determined unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of skin cancer is denied. The Board finds that the Veteran has established entitlement to SMC-L based on loss of use of his legs due to his service-connected back disorder, knee disorders and peripheral vascular disease of the lower extremities. He also qualifies for SMC-O and SMC-R(1) based on need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to a decision being made by the Board.