Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral spine strain, mild scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, anterolisthesis L5-S1 (lumbar spine disability), and a 20 percent rating for his service-connected left lower extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran's status post left total knee replacement is rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability has been denied. The Board found that the current 40 percent evaluation adequately compensates him for his symptoms, as he does not have unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine or incapacitating episodes meeting specific criteria.

The Veteran's low back disability was previously rated at 20 percent prior to December 6, 2014. Since then, it has been rated at 40 percent. The claim for higher ratings is denied.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded for a new examination to determine the severity of his lumbar spine condition and associated neurological deficits, as well as an attempt to obtain any outstanding VA medical records.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is being remanded due to inadequate examination and development needs.

The Board found that the Veteran's current back disabilities are not related to his service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for her lumbar spine disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination with EMG testing.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding no evidence to support higher ratings or service connection based on his claimed conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, finding that there is no evidence of a chronic back condition during service and insufficient medical opinion to establish a nexus between his current back disability and active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back, neck, and left foot disabilities are not related to service or any other service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of recent VA examination and incomplete Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ). A new examination is required to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected spine disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbar degenerative disc disease is at least as likely as not related to his active service, including a reported slip and fall injury during training. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee and lumbosacral spine disabilities were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Board has denied the Veteran's service connection claim for a lumbar spine disorder and his initial rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD. The evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is not service connected, as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or event and the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that his service-connected bilateral pes planus or depression caused or aggravated his current condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hip, knee, and back disorders are not service-connected as they were not shown in service or within one year of discharge. The current disorders are also not causally related to his service-connected ankle disabilities.,While there is evidence of current diagnoses for all three conditions, the medical opinions provided by VA and private providers have consistently found no causal relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's service-connected ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's lumbosacral degenerative disc disease has not been manifested by forward thoracolumbar flexion limited to 61 degrees or less, or by a combined range of thoracolumbar motion limited to less than 121 degrees, or by muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour such as scoliosis, reversed lordosis, or abnormal kyphosis. Therefore, the Veteran's lumbosacral degenerative disc disease does not meet the criteria for a rating higher than 10 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar strain disability was increased to a 20 percent rating effective June 15, 2016. The claim for TDIU and SMC based on housebound status is also granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his back disability and obtain updated treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU on a schedular basis and therefore denied his claim.