Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's lumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome was restored to a 40 percent rating effective July 1, 2010. The evidence did not show an actual improvement in the Veteran's ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a headache disorder, secondary to chronic low back pain, was denied. The Veteran also had his claims for increased ratings for chronic low back pain and depression denied.,For the period prior to June 24, 2013, the Veteran’s rating for chronic low back pain with muscle spasm was denied. However, from that date forward, a 40% rating was granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected knees are remanded. The claim for service connection for a low back disability is reopened, but the issue remains pending and will be addressed after obtaining additional evidence. The Veteran's low back disability may potentially be related to an in-service incident.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have obstructive sleep apnea or a low back disability (DDD) that had its clinical onset in service or is otherwise related to active duty. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to inadequate VA examination reports and need for further development of evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have caused him to be unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is related to service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent effective March 19, 2012. Effective the same date, service connection for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity and left lower extremity are granted.

The Board has granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during active service and are related to a qualifying chronic disability. Other gastrointestinal issues will be addressed in the remand section.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records, scheduling a new VA examination for the low back disability, and scheduling an audiological examination for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing pages in the Veteran's appeal and incomplete SSA records. The issues of service connection for various disorders remain under review.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, as well as any SSA disability benefits records. The case will be readjudicated after the completion of this development.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was granted a 40 percent evaluation for the period beginning November 28, 2012. His right lower extremity radiculopathy was also granted a 40 percent evaluation for that same period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current PFB is a continuation of the same diagnosis noted in service, and thus grants service connection for PFB.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability and associated neuropathy are not related to service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine is as likely as not etiologically related to a July 1965 lumbosacral strain incurred during active service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 40 percent effective March 6, 2013. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for any period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability and TBI residuals are related to service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 20 percent for his degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development.

The Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, as well as his hemorrhoids, have been rated appropriately. The Board has granted separate ratings for left upper and lower extremity radiculopathy effective December 29, 2016.