Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine spondylosis (status-post surgical fusion C3-T1) had its onset during service and is related to his military service. The low back disorder claim will be remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's back disability is found to be related to his active service, and thus service connection for a back disability is granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for chronic prostatitis and lumbar spine DJD were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating schedule.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric, low back, and left knee disabilities. The case is now before the AOJ for further review.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to July 30, 2014.

The Veteran's DDD of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 20 percent effective May 11, 2017. His L5-S1 right lower extremity radiculopathy remains rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's low back condition, bilateral knee conditions, and muscle condition were not shown to be related to his period of honorable active duty service.,There is no evidence of a current disability for hypertension or an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical spine disability is related to his in-service injury, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain was found to be manifested by flexion limited to no worse than 60 degrees with muscle spasms that cause an abnormal gait from May 1, 2014. The criteria for a higher rating were not met.

The Veteran's appeal for a sleep disorder other than sleep apnea was denied as he does not have such a condition. The claim for TDIU based on service-connected disabilities was also denied due to the Veteran's inability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting medical opinions and a need for further examination. The Veteran's low back disability is being reviewed again to determine its etiology.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain, postoperative L5 laminectomy and disc replacement disability has led to the loss or loss of use of one lower extremity (left) together with residuals of organic disease or injury which so affect the functions of balance or propulsion as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair. As such, the Veteran is entitled to specially adapted housing.

The Veteran is granted SMC at the maximum rate (SMC(r)(1)) due to service-connected disabilities, including loss of use of all extremities and need for regular aid and attendance.

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

The Veteran's back disability, skin condition (seborrheic dermatitis), and chronic fatigue syndrome are all granted. The hiatal hernia with GERD is increased to a 10 percent rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability is not related to his active service and denied service connection. For the period prior to September 26, 2017, the Veteran was granted a 10 percent evaluation for his left knee fracture, tibia and fibula. From September 26, 2017 to present, the maximum available schedular rating (100 percent) for his left knee status post total arthroplasty is assigned.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral keratoconus and DDD of the thoracolumbar spine have not been manifested by anatomical loss, vision limited to light perception, or corrected visual acuity of no better than 20/50 in one eye and 20/40 of the other eye. The Veteran's right sciatica is associated with his service-connected DDD of the thoracolumbar spine.

The Veteran has withdrawn their appeal of all issues listed on the title page, including those related to depression, tinnitus, degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine, DDD of the cervical spine, sleep apnea, atrial fibrillation with mild left ventricular hypertrophy, hypertension, right ear hearing loss, and residuals of fractured nose. As a result, the appeal is dismissed.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee disability, but denied service connection for neck and low back disabilities on the basis that they are not related to service or any service-connected condition.