Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 10% prior to September 7, 2012 and increased to 20% effective September 7, 2012. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for any period.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis and service connection for an upper back condition are being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected left degenerative sacroiliitis and lumbar myositis warrant a rating of 40 percent, but not higher. The Board also granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral patellofemoral dysfunction as secondary to his service-connected back disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate VA examinations and inextricably intertwined TDIU claim. The Veteran's lumbar spine disc disease is rated at 40 percent, but he seeks a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for low back and bilateral hip disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate medical opinion in the previous decision, and a new VA medical opinion is required to determine if the Veteran's low back disability is related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his claims, including those related to lumbar degenerative disc disease and a right hip disorder.

The Veteran's left knee disability is aggravated by his service-connected right ankle and right knee disabilities. The Board finds that the evidence of record supports this finding, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.,The Veteran's low back arthritis is also found to be aggravated by his service-connected right ankle and right knee disabilities. The Board finds that the evidence of record supports this finding, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining verification of the Veteran's periods of active duty and scheduling examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his back condition, acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep apnea, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability has been rated at 10 percent prior to October 30, 2015, and at 20 percent thereafter. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as the evidence does not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine limited to 30 degrees or less.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability, including any functional loss due to repetitive use over time and during flare-ups. The case is remanded for this purpose.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine, lumbar spine, and vestibular dysfunction disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by military service. The evidence did not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is not service-connected, and his claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his left foot condition remains denied.

The Veteran's current low back and left hip disabilities were not manifest in service or to a degree of 10 percent within one year of separation, and are unrelated to service. The preponderance of the evidence indicates that these disabilities were not caused by his service-connected left leg gunshot wound disability.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he requested withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 10 percent and his low back disability is rated at 20 percent. The Board finds that neither condition warrants a higher rating.,There is no evidence of ankylosis, recurrent subluxation or lateral instability in the left knee, nor are there limitations of flexion or extension meeting separate ratings under DCs 5260 and 5261.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are mixed, with some issues granted and others not.,The appeal involves multiple conditions including low back/lumbar spine condition, dizziness, neck and cervical spine pathology, sleep apnea, headaches, and memory loss.

The Veteran's lumbosacral sprain with IVDS and DDD warrants a rating of 40 percent, but no higher. The service connection for right ankle degenerative changes is granted. Service connection for left ankle degenerative changes as secondary to the right ankle disability is also granted.