Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was rated at 20 percent prior to January 16, 2014 and increased to 30 percent thereafter. The Board denied a higher rating for the period before January 16, 2014 and denied any higher rating from that date forward.

The Veteran's claim of a higher rating for his service-connected chronic low back strain is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and compliance with VCAA notice requirements.

The Board has found that further development is needed for VA to fulfill its duties under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA). The Veteran's claim will be remanded for obtaining relevant records from SSA, VA, and private providers.

The Veteran's back disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the claim for an increased rating has been granted. The compensable ratings for his scars have also been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability manifested by numbness in the hands, bilateral foot problems, or eye pain related to service. However, his Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease (ACD) is presumed to have been incurred due to exposure to Agent Orange during active military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records. The issues of service connection for various conditions are pending.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral shoulder condition, residuals status post fracture of the 3rd metatarsal shaft of the right foot, and residuals status post injury or stress fractures of the left mid foot. The Veteran's claims were not granted as she did not have current disabilities during the pendency of her claim.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a new VA examination to assess the Veteran's low back pain disability. The appeal is currently in remand status.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a right hip disability has been withdrawn. The back claim is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability warrants an initial 20 percent rating prior to August 10, 2016 and a 40 percent rating thereafter.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and providing a VA examination to assess the Veteran's functional impairment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized as chondromalacia and meniscus tear, is found to be secondary to his service-connected left knee condition. The Board has granted a rating of 10% for the Veteran's right knee disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, specifically his severe migraine headaches, have prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation since February 26, 2009.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as it is linked to MST, a personal assault during service.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for left shoulder disorder and low back disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability and tinea versicolor/tinea cruris, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his active service. The skin disability claim is remanded due to outstanding VA and private treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability of degenerative joint disease (DJD) based on continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's combined service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted TDIU.

The VA examiner found that the Veteran's low back disability is less likely related to her service-connected bilateral knee disabilities, but after resolving all doubt in favor of the Veteran, it was determined that her current low back disability is secondary to her service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 20 percent, effective from the date of this decision. The lumbar spine disability remains rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran is granted service connection for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities, low back disorder, skin disorder, and neurological disorder of the upper left back. The Veteran is assigned a disability rating of 40 percent for his low back disorder.