Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal for PTSD was denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for PTSD and instead diagnosed him with Major Depressive Disorder. Appeals for increased ratings for other conditions were also addressed, but are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine IVDS with mild scoliosis warrants a 20 percent rating effective from April 2, 2008.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for neurological disorders of the bilateral lower extremities and a disorder of the lumbar spine are granted, with the condition being related to his periods of active service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete medical opinions and further review of the claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a VA examination with retrospective and current medical opinions regarding his service-connected lumbar strain.

The Veteran's disability rating for mechanical lumbar syndrome with recurrent lumbar strain was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation prior to July 6, 2017 and as of that date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnoses of degenerative disc disease, chronic lumbar strain, degenerative arthritis, spinal stenosis, and scoliosis of the lumbar spine are related to his in-service injuries. As a result, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's low back and bilateral knee disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The Board found the evidence against a finding of direct service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the current nature and severity of his service-connected lumbar spine DDD and lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain is rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating for this condition. The Board has granted a TDIU on a schedular basis from November 25, 2013.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lower back strain is related to active duty service, and therefore grants service connection for this disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities and his service-connected knee and ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent from November 14, 2002 through December 8, 2010 and at 40 percent beginning December 9, 2010. The Board granted a TDIU based on the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's low back disability was manifested by flexion to greater than 60 degrees, with pain, and combined range of motion to greater than 120 degrees. The Board found that the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent were not met.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back, left leg, left hip, and neck disabilities as there is no evidence to support these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a TBI was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability that is a residual of a TBI in service. The claims for back and neck disabilities, and hypertension secondary to PTSD were not adjudicated due to the need for further development.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, effective May 22, 2008. He also has associated left and right lower extremity radiculopathies rated at 10 percent each.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's low back disorder due to an inadequate previous examination. The appeal is currently in remand status.