Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for cancer of the larynx and a higher rating for DDD of the lumbar spine were not granted. The claim for TDIU was remanded, and separate ratings for left lower extremity radiculopathy are warranted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lower back disability and right hip disability, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability related to active service. The claim for residuals of chest trauma was reopened but denied on the merits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a back disability etiologically related to service or proximately caused by her service-connected fibromyalgia, and therefore denied her claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for thoracolumbar strain prior to July 23, 2010 was denied. The claim for a higher rating on or after that date was granted at 40%. Service connection for cold injury residuals was denied.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic disability for the back or CTS since service, and thus denied both claims.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his right knee disability and service connection for a low back disability, to include as secondary to the right knee disability, is denied. The claim for TDIU remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis and a higher rating for thoracic spine degenerative disc disease was denied. The Board found that the allergic rhinitis did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 6522.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder and left leg neuropathy are found to be related to his in-service back problems, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities did not manifest during or as a result of active military service, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee osteoarthritis is service-connected, but his lumbar spine DJD cannot be linked to his period of active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from maintaining substantial gainful sedentary employment prior to April 26, 2013. The preponderance of the evidence is against a finding that his service-connected conditions rendered him unable to secure or follow any form of substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal of the issues regarding a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability and an extension of a temporary total evaluation has been withdrawn.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, right tibia and fibula fracture residuals with arthritis of the right ankle, and spondylosis of the lumbar spine, have rendered him unemployable for work consistent with his education and experience.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an initial rating of 50 percent, effective November 2, 2016. Service connection for a bilateral knee disorder, thoracolumbar spine disorder, and bilateral foot disorder were denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability was not incurred during active service and is not related to his military service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disorder has been rated at 10 percent prior to October 4, 2017 and increased to 40 percent thereafter. The rating of 40 percent is maintained as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and conducting a VA examination. The Veteran's claims will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left knee degenerative joint disease and lumbar spine disability are being remanded for additional development.

The Board has remanded four issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran will need an addendum opinion from a medical examiner regarding his use of prescription steroid medication during active duty and its impact on his current conditions.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a head injury, AVM, seizures, headaches, dizziness, and back disorder. The Veteran's scarring of the scalp was granted service connection.