Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for multi-level degenerative disc disease is being remanded due to inadequate examination reports and the need for retroactive opinions.

The Veteran's low back disorder, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, is related to his military service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is found to be service connected as a direct result of her in-service back pain, which she has been able to link to her current conditions through credible lay statements and medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder and left shoulder disorder are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of chronic symptoms during or immediately after service. The VA examiner concluded that any inservice injuries were not the cause of his currently diagnosed conditions.

For the rating period prior to February 14, 2012, the Veteran's thoracolumbar strain disability was rated at 40 percent.,Since February 14, 2012, the Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy has been rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis for a bilateral shoulder disorder and finds that service connection is not warranted. The issue of entitlement to service connection for a low back disorder is remanded due to inadequate medical opinion.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome is currently rated at 20 percent, which reflects limitation of motion to greater than 30 degrees but less than 60 degrees. The Veteran does not have ankylosis or incapacitating episodes that would warrant a higher rating.,The Veteran's left knee chondromalacia with arthritis is currently rated at 10 percent, reflecting painful motion without compensable limitation of motion. There are no findings of dislocated semilunar cartilage, recurrent subluxation, lateral instability, or meniscal conditions that would warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been granted. The right eye disability is related to service, the left foot/toe and hip/hand/knee disabilities are all found to be secondary to his service-connected knee disability, and he has a separate 10% rating for atrophy of the left leg due to his knee disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability is not related to service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, effective January 13, 2017. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability was not incurred or aggravated during service and is not related to any in-service injury. As a result, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to complete the necessary steps for a TDIU claim prior to April 4, 2011. The VA Form 21-8940 needs to be completed and any relevant private records need to be obtained.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development regarding her service connection claim for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and her increased rating claim for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed back disability, right shoulder disability, and uterine fibroids are not related to her military service. The evidence does not establish an in-service injury or event for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability was rated at 20 percent prior to May 10, 2017, and increased to 40 percent thereafter. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral shoulder, cervical spine, and lumbar spine disabilities are not related to his military service. The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 10% rating.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the case can be adjudicated, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his ocular surface disease, lumbosacral strain with 50 percent L1 compression, and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability is service connected, but his back and right knee disabilities do not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further medical development to clarify the etiology of his carpal tunnel syndrome and to assess the severity of his hearing loss and lumbosacral strain.