Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability had improved, with forward flexion limited to at most 70 degrees and a combined range of motion greater than 120 degrees. The reduction from 20% to 10% was therefore proper.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a need for an opinion on whether the Veteran's hypertension was caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not develop any of the claimed disabilities during service or as a result of his service-connected left knee disability. The claims for right leg, bilateral foot, low back, and right hip disabilities have been denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disorder and a headache disability, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his military service.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis was granted a higher initial rating of 40 percent, effective June 13, 2017. The left foot disability was also granted an initial rating of 20 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his back disability and PTSD, precluded him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation. Therefore, he is entitled to a TDIU.

The Veteran's right knee disability is not service connected as there is no current diagnosis and the VA examiner found it less likely than not related to service.,The Veteran's left knee disability is not service connected due to lack of a nexus between his current condition and service. The VA examiner opined that the current condition was less likely than not incurred during service.

The Veteran's back disability is service connected and his right ankle disability, which was productive of marked ankle disability, warrants a 30 percent rating since February 28, 2007.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for a lumbar spine disability, including lumbar disc disease and herniated nucleus pulposus as secondary to residuals of shell fragment wound, left flank, was denied due to lack of new and material evidence.,The Veteran's application for TDIU prior to January 13, 2016 was also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for various conditions, but denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates. The case is being remanded to issue a Statement of the Case on these issues.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as he failed to report for scheduled VA examinations without showing good cause.,All of the Veteran's increased rating claims are denied due to his failure to report for the necessary examinations.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back and headache disabilities are not related to service, as there is no evidence of a current disability in service or within one year following discharge. The most probative evidence indicates these conditions are more likely due to aging, genetic factors, and wear and tear from strenuous physical activities.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to address the nature and etiology of any diagnosed low back disability, including as secondary to his service-connected removal of the coccyx.

The Board has granted service connection for low back strain, cervical spine strain, and right hip strain. The Veteran's current tension headaches are being remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, and the claims for increased ratings are denied. The Veteran also had new diagnoses of radiculopathy in his lower extremities which were not service-connected.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen service connection for broken rib residuals. Service connection was also denied for right shoulder arthritis and low back arthritis as there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease, and current symptoms are not related to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a thoracic spine disorder, right carpal tunnel syndrome, degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, diabetes mellitus, left carpal tunnel syndrome, glaucoma with cataract in the right eye and cataract in the left eye, as well as peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity. The evidence does not support a current diagnosis for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance is denied as he does not require regular aid and assistance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder and sleep apnea, finding that the evidence did not support a nexus to service. The Veteran's TDIU claim was also denied as his disabilities were not found to render him unemployable.,Service connection for both conditions could not be established due to lack of in-service injury or continuity of symptomatology.

The Veteran's lower back disability has not resulted in unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, and there is no evidence of incapacitating episodes. Therefore, a higher rating is denied.