Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's ddd of the lumbar spine was rated at 10 percent prior to May 5, 2014 and at 60 percent since then. The Board found no evidence supporting a higher rating for any period.,TDIU was denied as the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to February 28, 2014.

The Board found that the Veteran's current back disorder did not have its onset during active service, was not continuous since service, and is not otherwise related to active service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for a back disorder has been denied.

The Board finds sufficient evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and a psychiatric disorder, with the latter being related to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. The Veteran is also granted service connection for bilateral lower extremity sciatica.

The Board found that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected bilateral frozen foot disability, and thus denied the claim for secondary service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability is not etiologically related to his active service. There is no evidence of a chronic back disability present in service or within one year following discharge, and the most probative evidence does not relate the current condition to service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral pes planus, knee disability, low back disability, and lower leg disability due to lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims, including an increased rating claim for his left knee disability and issues related to bilateral pes planus, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, cervical spine disability, and lumbar strain. The case will be remanded for further examination and consideration.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for DJD of the lumbar spine, left knee, and right knee were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations.,The claim for right lower extremity radiculopathy was also denied.

The Veteran's service connection claims for GERD, CFS, IBS, and sleep apnea are granted. The lumbar spine disability is also granted as in-service. No rating assigned.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and obtaining outstanding medical records. The issues of service connection for a back disorder, special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance, and TDIU are inextricably intertwined with the issue of service connection.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current lower back disability is etiologically related to his active service and grants service connection for a lower back disability.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for asbestosis. The heart disorder and lumbar spine disorder claims are remanded to obtain adequate VA medical opinions.

The Board found that new and material evidence was received to reopen the claim for service connection for DJD of the lumbar spine, and thus granted the reopening of the claim.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a low back disorder and granted it. Service connection is also established for diabetes mellitus and atrial fibrillation, both found to be related to service.

The Veteran's low back strain with herniated disc and nerve root impingement was rated at 20 percent from September 8, 2010 to June 19, 2014. The claim for a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating and TDIU have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim for acne, but did not address other issues.

The Veteran's hidradenitis suppurativa, low back condition and stomach condition (IBS) had their onset during service. The Board finds that the Veteran's conditions are related to her military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbosacral spine disability with IVDS and right shoulder disability, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating schedule.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 40 percent, effective March 1, 1977. The Board denied an evaluation in excess of this rating for the lumbar spine disability and denied service connection for bilateral knee disabilities as secondary to the lumbar spine disability.