Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar strain, including spondylosis and degenerative disc disease, is related to his active duty service. However, there is no current diagnosis for a leg disorder secondary to his back condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine, right wrist and hand, and right arm disabilities were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher evaluations under the applicable rating schedule.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease and postconcussion syndrome (headache disability).,Service connection is granted for both conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to determine the etiology of his cardiovascular condition and back condition. The hearing loss claim will also be remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other claims.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his claims for increased ratings and service connection are not supported by the evidence of record.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current chronic lumbar spine or left knee disorders, and thus cannot establish service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and reopening of claims have been withdrawn. The Board has no jurisdiction over these issues.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right elbow and back disabilities were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed back disability and head injury residuals.

The Veteran's entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) due to being housebound was granted with an effective date of November 26, 2008. However, the Appellant contends that she is entitled to an earlier effective date of August 2, 2003.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and bilateral knee disability, finding no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis for any of the claimed disabilities (back disability, eye disability, or ear disability). The Board finds that service connection is not warranted for these conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and a TDIU, finding that his service-connected disabilities do not cause unemployability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and private medical records.

The Veteran's lumbar strain is currently rated as 40 percent disabling, effective April 24, 2008. He also experiences neurological impairment from the low back disability manifested by radiculopathy of the left lower extremity rated as 20 percent disabling since October 6, 2010, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity rated as 10 percent disabling since April 24, 2008.,The Veteran's lumbar strain is currently rated as 40 percent disabling, effective April 24, 2008. He also experiences neurological impairment from the low back disability manifested by radiculopathy of the left lower extremity rated as 20 percent disabling since October 6, 2010.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, finding that it is etiologically related to his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 20 percent effective May 5, 2014. The rating is for the period after this date.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and rating decisions on the issues of higher ratings for myofascial pain syndrome, right knee disability, and TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of a back disorder, right knee disorder, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD (diagnosed depression), and a sleep disorder. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD was also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability, right hand disability, and bilateral CTS were not incurred or aggravated by service. The claims for service connection are denied.