Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is not service connected, as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or event and the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that his service-connected bilateral pes planus or depression caused or aggravated his current condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hip, knee, and back disorders are not service-connected as they were not shown in service or within one year of discharge. The current disorders are also not causally related to his service-connected ankle disabilities.,While there is evidence of current diagnoses for all three conditions, the medical opinions provided by VA and private providers have consistently found no causal relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's service-connected ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's lumbosacral degenerative disc disease has not been manifested by forward thoracolumbar flexion limited to 61 degrees or less, or by a combined range of thoracolumbar motion limited to less than 121 degrees, or by muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour such as scoliosis, reversed lordosis, or abnormal kyphosis. Therefore, the Veteran's lumbosacral degenerative disc disease does not meet the criteria for a rating higher than 10 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar strain disability was increased to a 20 percent rating effective June 15, 2016. The claim for TDIU and SMC based on housebound status is also granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his back disability and obtain updated treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU on a schedular basis and therefore denied his claim.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for a back disability, as well as his claims for higher ratings for various peripheral neuropathies and PTSD have been reopened. The Board finds that the evidence supports the grant of TDIU due to the cumulative effects of multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability and left shoulder disability are service-connected. The decision is based on a finding of continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board found that the reduction in the evaluation for chronic lumbosacral strain from 40% to 10% was improper due to lack of improvement in the Veteran's condition.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is granted as secondary to his service-connected bilateral ankle disabilities. The RO also granted initial ratings of 20% for each of the Veteran's ankles, effective June 8, 2010.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 20 percent for instability, with a separate rating of 20 percent for dislocated semilunar cartilage. The Veteran also has moderate instability and episodes of locking and effusion in his right knee.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent prior to March 7, 2016. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for this period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine is related to his active military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran seeks service connection for various knee and hip disabilities, as well as a low back disability. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder is related to his active service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for residuals of lipoma excision was denied due to lack of material evidence. The Board found no current disability related to the claimed condition.,Service connection for stroke residuals, eating disorder, urinary disorder (frequent urination), sleep disorder, erectile dysfunction, and neck scars were all denied as there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to service.,The Veteran's GERD and hypertension were also denied as there was no indication that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including vision problems, back disorder, hypertension, CAD and prostate cancer, are not related to his military service. The appeals for these claims have been denied.

The Board has determined that further development is needed before the claims can be adjudicated, including obtaining VA medical center treatment records and private treatment records. The appellant's back condition and bilateral leg condition will need to be examined by a clinician to determine their etiology.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and radiculopathy of both lower extremities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records related to her disability benefits claim.