Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude her from securing and following substantially gainful employment, as she has been able to work in a sedentary capacity.

The Board found that the Veteran's current low back disorders are not related to service, including any in-service injuries. The preponderance of evidence supports a finding that his conditions did not develop during or as a result of his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral Cormet femoral resurfacing as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spondylosis and degenerative disc disease, finding that the preponderance of evidence did not support the claim.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with IVDS has been manifested by limited range of motion, but not to a level warranting an increased rating. The current evaluation is considered appropriate based on the combined range of motion and flexion limitations.

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

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating or entitlement to TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was rated at 20 percent prior to January 16, 2014 and increased to 30 percent thereafter. The Board denied a higher rating for the period before January 16, 2014 and denied any higher rating from that date forward.

The Veteran's claim of a higher rating for his service-connected chronic low back strain is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and compliance with VCAA notice requirements.

The Board has found that further development is needed for VA to fulfill its duties under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA). The Veteran's claim will be remanded for obtaining relevant records from SSA, VA, and private providers.

The Veteran's back disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the claim for an increased rating has been granted. The compensable ratings for his scars have also been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability manifested by numbness in the hands, bilateral foot problems, or eye pain related to service. However, his Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease (ACD) is presumed to have been incurred due to exposure to Agent Orange during active military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records. The issues of service connection for various conditions are pending.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral shoulder condition, residuals status post fracture of the 3rd metatarsal shaft of the right foot, and residuals status post injury or stress fractures of the left mid foot. The Veteran's claims were not granted as she did not have current disabilities during the pendency of her claim.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a new VA examination to assess the Veteran's low back pain disability. The appeal is currently in remand status.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a right hip disability has been withdrawn. The back claim is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability warrants an initial 20 percent rating prior to August 10, 2016 and a 40 percent rating thereafter.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and providing a VA examination to assess the Veteran's functional impairment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized as chondromalacia and meniscus tear, is found to be secondary to his service-connected left knee condition. The Board has granted a rating of 10% for the Veteran's right knee disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, specifically his severe migraine headaches, have prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation since February 26, 2009.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as it is linked to MST, a personal assault during service.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for left shoulder disorder and low back disorder.