Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder, lumbar spine, and cervical spine. The Veteran's current disabilities are found to be related to in-service events.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been denied as his service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable VA rating criteria.,Specifically, the Veteran’s left wrist fracture with residual sprain does not show ankylosis. His lumbar spine disability is not manifested by ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. The right knee and left knee degenerative arthritis do not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion. The bilateral ankle degenerative joint disease are rated at 10% each.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative joint and disc disease of the lumbar spine is granted an evaluation of 20 percent effective April 26, 2011.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating of 40 percent for degenerative arthritis, lumbosacranal spine is granted. The claim for TDIU is also granted, effective March 1, 2013.

The Veteran's chronic lumbar strain and related right sciatic nerve impairment are granted a 20% disability rating, effective from May 9, 2014. The left sciatic nerve is granted a 10% disability rating as of March 13, 2018. TDIU remains remanded.

The Veteran's cervical spine condition is currently rated at 20 percent, and a higher rating is being remanded due to the need for additional examination.

The award of VA disability compensation for the service-connected MS, evaluated at 30 percent disabling, is restored. The claim for entitlement to service connection for a lumbar strain, status post lumbar surgery with scarring and status post cervical surgery with scarring, claimed as spinal stenosis and DDD, is reopened.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a low back disorder and granted it. The issue of service connection for left leg numbness is remanded due to lack of recent medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA examinations and records. The issues of service connection are not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder are related to his service in Bosnia. His lower back disability is also related to his service, as is his left knee disability.

The Veteran's low back strain is granted as secondary to his service-connected right hip muscular strain.,There is no current diagnosis of arthritis or bursitis in the right heel. The Veteran's symptoms are not related to a diagnosed condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various spine and joint disorders, including cervical spine disorder, lumbar spine disorder, bilateral hip disorder, bilateral foot disorder, and bilateral shoulder disorder. The case is sent back to VA for further development and examination.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a lumbar spine disability, bilateral foot disability (flat feet and plantar fasciitis), and psoriasis due to new evidence obtained after the March 2009 rating decision. The claims will be adjudicated on a de novo basis.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for low testosterone, allergic rhinitis, and minimal lumbar spondylosis/thoracic back strain without radicular disease due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation from December 19, 2006 to December 18, 2007. The Board will remand the issues for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was caused by an in-service blood transfusion performed prior to 1992 after the left thigh puncture wound.,The Veteran's back and hip disorders are not service-connected as they did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence linking them to a service-connected condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to outstanding records that need to be obtained and reviewed before a final decision can be made on the service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with herniated nucleus polyposis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression is denied as he does not have a current diagnosis of depression.,The Veteran's right hip disability was previously rated at 30 percent prior to February 3, 2016. From April 1, 2017, the rating has been increased to 50 percent due to moderately severe residuals of weakness, pain, or limitation of motion.,The Veteran's left hip disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling and does not warrant a higher rating based on the evidence provided.,The Veteran's back disability is currently rated at 10 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.,The Veteran's sciatica in the right lower extremity warrants a 20 percent rating as it manifests with moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Board denied service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, right shoulder disorder, right ankle disorder, and low back disorder. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and shortness of breath were also denied.

The Board has remanded the cases due to missing records, including service treatment records and private treatment records from various facilities. The Veteran's claims for low back disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder are also being reviewed.