Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at the highest possible level of 40 percent, effective as of the date of this decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his claims, including a new examination regarding his upper back condition and VA examinations for his bilateral knee disabilities and benign prostatic hypertrophy.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for a lumbar spine disability is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a current VA examination.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent, right leg radiculopathy and left leg radiculopathy are each rated at 10 percent. The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for chronic lumbosacral strain has been granted, with a 20 percent disability rating effective July 17, 2017.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and associated right lower extremity radiculopathy were found to meet the criteria for a 20 percent rating prior to October 7, 2016.

The Veteran's TDIU claim has been granted as of December 23, 2009. The Board also dismissed all other claims due to the Veteran's withdrawal during his February 2018 hearing.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's low back disability, right femoral hernia, and bilateral hearing loss. The case is therefore REMANDED for these purposes.

The Veteran's chronic lumbosacral strain and tinnitus were both found to have been incurred during his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial evaluation for his lumbar spine disability was denied. The Board also determined that the Veteran is not entitled to an effective date prior to September 20, 2010, for the grant of service connection for a lumbosacral strain with anterolisthesis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and his psychiatric symptoms do not meet the criteria for service connection. The back disorder was also not shown in service or for many years thereafter, and is not otherwise related to active duty service.

The Veteran is found unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities, which include prostate cancer, Parkinson's disease, and various neurological and musculoskeletal conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's right knee, left knee, bilateral hip and low back disabilities are related to service. The case will be remanded for a VA examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of new and material evidence. The Veteran's claims were previously denied in April 2005, October 2009, and August 1976, respectively, and no new or material evidence was submitted within one year of these decisions.

The Board has found that the Veteran's lumbar and cervical strains are etiologically related to her active service, granting her claims for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and medical opinion regarding her right shoulder rotator cuff condition, low back condition, right knee condition, and fibromyalgia.

From November 22, 2011 to September 22, 2014, the Veteran's low back disability was evaluated at a 10 percent rating. From September 23, 2014, it has been rated at 20 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is not due to any incident of his active duty service and therefore, denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for TDIU, finding that his service-connected disabilities limit him to sedentary employment. The earlier effective date claim for asthma was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.