Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's lumbar strain disability has been manifested at worst by forward flexion to 40 degrees, but not favorable ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is related to service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, residuals of shingles, pes planus, and a back disability have been granted. The Board found that the Veteran demonstrated a compensable degree of hypertension within one year of his separation from service, and that he has residuals of shingles as a result of his service. Service connection was also granted for pes planus and a back disability, but additional development is needed to determine if these conditions are related to any period of active duty, ADSW, ACDUTRA, or INACDUTRA service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of his foot disability, erectile dysfunction, and back disability. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to inadequate examination and the need for additional development of his low back disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address his claims of service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The case will be returned to the Board for further appellate consideration if necessary.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and missing service treatment records from Chanute Air Force Base and Brooks Air Force Base. The Veteran's claim for low back disability is being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's left leg sciatic nerve impingement has been granted a rating of 20 percent, but no more. The Veteran's lumbar spine arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome is still rated at 20 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder, including degenerative joint and disc disease of the lumbar spine, is secondary to his service-connected right and left knee chondromalacia patellae. The claim for a bilateral hip condition was denied as there is no current diagnosis of such.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, hearing loss, back condition, bilateral radiculopathy, and bladder dysfunction, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. Therefore, the Board grants TDIU.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for a rating in excess of 40 percent for intervertebral disc syndrome, L5-S1, with degenerative disc disease and low back pain with a history of leg pain and for a temporary total disability rating because of treatment for a service connected condition requiring convalescence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and bilateral hearing loss, but granted a noncompensable rating for his service-connected bilateral photophobia.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected back disability.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbosacral spine, status post double laminectomy.

The Veteran's service-connected IVDS of the lumbar spine, sciatic nerve of the left lower extremity, and sciatic nerve of the right lower extremity have been granted increased ratings to 60 percent each.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for a final rating of 100% permanent and total.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at the highest available rating of 70 percent, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment. The other service-connected conditions are not rated higher.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar strain does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent, as his range of motion and combined range of motion do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeals for service connection have been withdrawn, and her claims for a left shoulder strain, low back disability, upper face numbness, diabetes, and bulimia are denied as there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease resulting in current disabilities.