Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's right hip trochanteric bursitis and thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease with lumbar stenosis and radiculopathy are being remanded for further examination to determine if they are related to his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service records from qualifying periods of Active Duty for Training (ACDUTRA) were not considered in the previous decision, and therefore remands are required to consider these periods.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his right foot great toe cold injury residuals was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic code.,The Veteran's lumbar spine sacroiliitis with degenerative disc disease (DDD) was also remanded due to insufficient examination during a flare-up.

The Veteran's rating for residuals of a low back strain was restored to 40 percent effective May 1, 2015. The claim for an increased rating remains denied.

The Board has remanded the cases for further action due to incomplete or missing statements of the case.

The Board has remanded the claims for right wrist disability, TDIU determination, and reopening of previously denied lumbar spine and left ankle disabilities due to outstanding VA treatment records. The effective date claim remains pending.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability and a neurological disorder of the bilateral lower extremities, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between these conditions and service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and incomplete records. The Veteran will need to provide additional chiropractic treatment records, undergo a psychiatric examination, and have his left shoulder disability evaluated.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of cold injury are found to have aggravated his coronary artery disease, which is granted as secondary. His chronic venous insufficiency is also granted as secondary to his now service-connected coronary artery disease. The Board finds the evidence in equipoise for granting service connection for a back disability as secondary to his service-connected disabilities including coronary artery disease and chronic venous insufficiency.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bursitis and tendonitis, right shoulder was reopened due to new evidence. The claim is granted.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for low back problems and bilateral hearing loss disability were not reopened as the submitted evidence was cumulative.

The Board has remanded the claim for a lumbar spine disorder due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The Veteran's service records do not show any complaints or diagnoses of these conditions during his active duty, but he now claims they are related to his military service.

An effective date earlier than March 6, 2013 for a 20% rating for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) with degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine is denied.,A 20% increased rating for mild degenerative changes to the right knee, status post arthroscopy (right knee disability), and a separate, additional 20% rating for semilunar condition are granted.

The Board denied service connection for right wrist osteoarthritis and L5-S1 degenerative disc disease, both secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left knee tendonitis. The decision states that no medical evidence supports a link between these conditions and his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a low back disorder is dismissed. The increased rating claim for his upper back muscle strain is denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for an increased rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disorder and bilateral hearing loss are related to service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lumbar strain and myofascial pain, CRPS of the right hip, left knee and foot, right knee, and right ankle. The Veteran is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent effective August 15, 2014.,An initial rating of 10 percent for left knee osteoarthritis is granted effective June 2, 2015. The Veteran also received a separate compensable rating of 10 percent for radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve of the lower left extremity.

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

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral shoulder disorder, neck and back disorder, and dental disorder due to incomplete records and need for further examination.

The Board has granted the reopening of the claim for service connection for low back disability and denied it. The Veteran's pre-existing back condition is found to have existed prior to service, and there is no clear and unmistakable evidence that active duty aggravated this condition. Therefore, service connection is not established.