Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for ganglion cyst of the right hand and a higher rating for her lumbar spine disability have been denied. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating due to her ganglion cyst, as there is no evidence of limitation of motion or arthritis in the wrist joint. For her lumbar spine disability, she has not met the criteria for an increased rating under Diagnostic Code 5243 for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) because she does not have incapacitating episodes requiring bed rest prescribed by a physician and treatment by a physician.

The Veteran's back disability is granted service connection. The initial rating for right shoulder labral tear prior to February 15, 2018, and the rating in excess of 20 percent after that date are both granted. Service connection for headaches is also granted.

The Veteran's low back strain is currently rated as 20 percent disabling, but the Board found that it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on functional loss due to pain or other symptoms. The Veteran's PTSD and bipolar disorder with cannabis abuse are rated at 70 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him so helpless as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance. The increased rating claims for traumatic arthritis of the lumbar spine and bursitis of the right shoulder are remanded.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 20 percent, and the scars of his right tibia/fibula are rated at 10 percent. The decision also grants a rating for the low back disability.

The Veteran's service-connected traumatic arthritis of the left hip and lumbar spine disabilities are currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations. The Board found no evidence to warrant a higher rating for either condition.

The Board denied service connection for cervical and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, finding no evidence of onset during active service or within one year of separation from service.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to an injury sustained during her active duty for training in August 2007.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on loss of use of both lower extremities as defined by VA regulations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on loss of use of both lower extremities as defined by VA regulations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings on multiple service-connected disabilities are remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and records.

The Board has remanded the issue of rating the Veteran's lumbar spondylosis with intervertebral disc disease, as it found that the VA examination did not adequately address functional limitations during flare-ups.

The Board has denied higher ratings for the Veteran's left knee surgical scar and patellofemoral pain syndrome of the left knee, but remanded his claims for increased rating for post-operative residuals of right knee injury and low back disability due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection of a back disorder was granted. Service connection is denied. The Veteran's claims for service connection of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, kidney disorder, metatarsalgia (left foot), right leg disorder, and left leg disorder are remanded.

The Board has received additional relevant evidence and is remanding the cases for readjudication.

The Veteran's service connection claim for degenerative arthritis of the spine with degenerative disc disease at L4-5, and L5-S1 is being remanded due to insufficient evidence in his claims file.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability due to lack of evidence showing a link between current symptoms and service. The appeal for headaches as secondary to neck disability is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection, increased rating, and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his records. The low back disability claim is also being reopened.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability, tinnitus, PTSD, and left knee disability. The claim for TDIU was also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings, finding no new and material evidence to reopen his low back disability claim. The rating for hemorrhoids remains noncompensable, and a higher rating for cervical spondylosis is not granted.