Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claims of service connection for a back disability, as well as his claims for higher ratings for various peripheral neuropathies and PTSD have been reopened. The Board finds that the evidence supports the grant of TDIU due to the cumulative effects of multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability and left shoulder disability are service-connected. The decision is based on a finding of continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board found that the reduction in the evaluation for chronic lumbosacral strain from 40% to 10% was improper due to lack of improvement in the Veteran's condition.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is granted as secondary to his service-connected bilateral ankle disabilities. The RO also granted initial ratings of 20% for each of the Veteran's ankles, effective June 8, 2010.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 20 percent for instability, with a separate rating of 20 percent for dislocated semilunar cartilage. The Veteran also has moderate instability and episodes of locking and effusion in his right knee.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent prior to March 7, 2016. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for this period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine is related to his active military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran seeks service connection for various knee and hip disabilities, as well as a low back disability. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder is related to his active service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for residuals of lipoma excision was denied due to lack of material evidence. The Board found no current disability related to the claimed condition.,Service connection for stroke residuals, eating disorder, urinary disorder (frequent urination), sleep disorder, erectile dysfunction, and neck scars were all denied as there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to service.,The Veteran's GERD and hypertension were also denied as there was no indication that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including vision problems, back disorder, hypertension, CAD and prostate cancer, are not related to his military service. The appeals for these claims have been denied.

The Board has determined that further development is needed before the claims can be adjudicated, including obtaining VA medical center treatment records and private treatment records. The appellant's back condition and bilateral leg condition will need to be examined by a clinician to determine their etiology.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and radiculopathy of both lower extremities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records related to her disability benefits claim.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease, including herniated disc and severe arthritis. The case is REMANDED for an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Board denied the reopening of the claim for service connection for a low back disability, finding that new and material evidence was not received.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hepatitis C, frostbite of the hands and feet, lumbar spine disability, and cervical spine disability due to incomplete medical opinions and need for additional development.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a low back disability and granted it. The Veteran's tinnitus is presumed to be due to noise exposure during active service.,Service connection for right shoulder degenerative joint disease was also granted.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent for DJD, and the Board finds that this rating is appropriate based on the objective evidence of record.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back condition and assigned a temporary total evaluation based on surgical procedure requiring convalescence.