Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities were denied as the evidence did not show incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome or other criteria warranting a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for erectile dysfunction, low back disability, and left ankle disability as secondary to his service-connected disabilities. The Board found no evidence supporting these claims.

The claim of service connection for a back disability is remanded due to new evidence submitted and the need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluation, as well as his claim for TDIU due to the need for additional records and further examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for essential tremors, headache disability, and insomnia due to ongoing VA medical records being needed. The Veteran is also requested to provide authorization for any outstanding treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his right wrist sprain and osteoarthritis was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show ankylosis, which would warrant a higher rating under DC 5214. For TDIU, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities were deemed to be insufficient to preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence provided.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and evaluation of the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the first left rib, low back, and shoulder disorder.

The claim is granted as new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the service connection for low back disability. However, service connection remains denied due to lack of a nexus between current symptoms and in-service injury.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for his DDD with herniated disc L5-S1, previously limitation of lumbar spine, is denied. The evidence does not show unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes due to intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) lasting 6 weeks or longer during a 12-month period.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back condition, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a back condition was dismissed due to untimely filing of the substantive appeal. The claim for hypertension was denied as there is no evidence that it manifested during or within one year after service, and there is insufficient medical nexus between current hypertension and service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted, and his initial rating for bipolar disorder with opioid dependence is remanded due to the need for additional evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, diabetes mellitus type II, bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction is granted. However, the claims are remanded due to insufficient verification of herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to adjudicate the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back, bilateral hip, and right knee disabilities, as well as higher initial evaluations for his left knee, ankle sprains, and anxiety disorder. The VA will obtain all outstanding treatment records, provide new examinations, and consider whether these conditions are related to service or other factors.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate reasons and bases regarding VA's duty to assist with the development of the claim on appeal. The Veteran needs another VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's lumbar spine DDD and associated right lower extremity radiculopathy are rated at 40% and 20%, respectively, effective February 24, 2012. The cervical spine disability claim is remanded for further examination.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his in-service injury or disease. The evidence showed no compensable degree of degenerative joint disease within the applicable presumptive period and continuity of symptomatology was not established.,The Board also denied service connection for a cervical spine disability, concluding that the Veteran's current condition did not begin during service and is not related to his in-service injury or disease.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims due to his death, including service connection and increased rating appeals.

The Board has dismissed the appeal of service connection for a low back disability due to the Veteran's withdrawal. The rating for mild persistent asthma remains on appeal and will be remanded.