Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, psychiatric disorder (anxiety disorder NOS), and respiratory disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.,Service connection was not granted as the preponderance of the evidence showed that the current disabilities were not manifest in service or related to service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for lumbar strain with scoliosis, a rating in excess of 50 percent for migraines, and a rating in excess of 10 percent from July 1, 2006, in excess of 30 percent from August 15, 2013, in excess of 100 percent from September 28, 2015, in excess of 30 percent from November 1, 2015, and in excess of 20 percent from January 23, 2017, for residuals ACL repair, right knee limitation of extension, and an effective date prior to October 2, 2009, for a rating of 40 percent for lumbar strain with scoliosis has been dismissed.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 10 percent prior to September 9, 2015 and at 40 percent thereafter. The appeal is mixed as some issues were granted (prior to September 9, 2015) and others were denied (after September 9, 2015).

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of a request to reopen a claim regarding left hip and thigh pain. The Board found that new evidence supports reopening these claims.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions and requests for additional information. The Veteran's claim of service connection for a back condition is being returned for further examination and opinion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lower back and bilateral foot conditions are not service-connected due to inadequate medical evidence. The case is being remanded for further development, including additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected low back disability and diabetes mellitus make it impossible for him to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for his lumbar spine disability has been denied. The Board also found that some issues have been remanded, including service connection claims for a bilateral hip condition and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for appropriate VA examinations to evaluate his service-connected disabilities. The issue of service connection for a cervical spine disorder was previously remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and adjustment disorder, have rendered him unemployable due to physical limitations. The Board has granted TDIU based on these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and examinations. The issues include tinea corporis, diabetes mellitus, lumbar spine disability, bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, liver condition (including cirrhosis), and Barrett's esophagus.

The Board denied service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability and acute right lumbar radiculopathy, finding that the Veteran's disabilities were not caused or aggravated by his active duty service.

The Veteran's cervical spondylosis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine were rated at 10%, 20%, and 40% respectively, with a temporary total rating for the cervical spine. The appeal is denied as the ratings do not meet the criteria for higher disability evaluations.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease, L5-S1 (lumbar spine disability), is currently rated at 40 percent.,The Veteran's sciatic radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is currently rated at 10 percent.,The Veteran's sciatic radiculopathy of the right lower extremity is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal concerning the initial compensable disability rating prior to October 12, 2010 and a disability rating greater than 30 percent beginning October 12, 2010 for restrictive airway disease has been dismissed. The Board also remanded several other issues related to service connection and disability ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, finding that the Veteran's back pain during service was the beginning of his current condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional records, consideration of extraschedular criteria, and potential referral to VA’s Director of Compensation Service.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to November 2, 2010 for the grant of service connection for PTSD was denied. The Board found that the decision became final due to lack of appeal within a year after it was issued in December 2008. The Veteran did not file another claim until November 2, 2010 when he petitioned to reopen his PTSD claim, which resulted in its grant with an effective date set at November 2, 2010.

The Veteran's low back strain is denied as not meeting the criteria for a higher evaluation.,A 10 percent evaluation was granted for scar, dorsal aspect of the left big toe prior to May 11, 2016. From May 11, 2016, through July 18, 2016, and from July 19, 2016, a 20 percent evaluation was granted.,From July 19, 2016, the Veteran's scar is rated at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back, bilateral knee and left ankle disorders. The Veteran is also seeking service connection for a left foot disorder, but no in-service injury or event related to this condition was identified.