Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, his left shoulder disability at 10 percent, and he has an initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis. The appeal was granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to determine if any current psychiatric disorder is related to military service, and scheduling a VA examination to determine if any low back disorders are the result of his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities are related to service, as well as his bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy which is secondary to his lumbar spine disability. Service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's thoracic spine disability, including a vertebral stress fracture with T10 damage, is being remanded for further development as the service treatment records are unavailable and an examination is needed to determine if it is related to his reported in-service injury.

The Veteran's appeals for an increased rating for his right knee condition and service connection for sciatic nerve pain and a lumbar spine disability have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew these issues in his March 2017 Board testimony. The claim of service connection for a lumbar spine disability was denied due to lack of evidence showing it is related to active duty.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for a thoracolumbar lumbar spine condition, but the claim remains denied as there is no established service connection due to lack of probative evidence supporting the Veteran's assertions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to July 21, 2011 for resumption of his disability compensation benefits for lumbosacral strain due to failure to initiate a timely appeal.

The Veteran's hypertension and low back disorder are found to be at least as likely as not related to service. The right ankle disorder appeal is withdrawn by the Veteran. Service connection for PTSD remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected lumbar spine disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his claimed skin cancer and back disability.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to consider the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA and private treatment records. The case will be returned for further review.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral shoulder bursitis, hip condition, left knee bursitis, and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine have all been granted.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and separate disability ratings were dismissed as he withdrew them during his October 2016 Board hearing. The Board granted a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the appellant's current lumbar spine, left hip bursitis, and bilateral knee disorders are related to his active service. The VA examiner found no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his service.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus and lumbar spine DJD with mild levoscoliosis and strain are not service-connected. The Board finds that the Veteran did not meet the burden of establishing an increase in disability beyond its natural progression during service, thus denying his claims for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain is manifested by flare-ups resulting in limited forward flexion of the lumbosacral spine to approximately 30 degrees, which warrants a 40 percent disability rating. The appeal is granted for this rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal for various service connection claims, including those related to his throat disorder and diabetes mellitus, have been withdrawn. The claim for a throat disorder was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. Service connection for diabetes mellitus, heart disability, and neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities were also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected loss of use of both feet and lumbar spine disability with intervertebral disc syndrome result in total (100%) permanent disabilities that preclude locomotion without the aid of a wheelchair, meeting the criteria for specially adapted housing.

The Board found no evidence to support service connection for a back disability or cervical radiculopathy (claimed as peripheral neuropathy of the hands) due to injury in service. The Veteran's current conditions are not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain updated medical records and schedule the Veteran for an examination. The appeal will be returned to the AOJ for further review.