Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The claim to reopen the left shoulder disability was granted, but no new rating is assigned as his current 20% rating adequately compensates him.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for post-operative lumbar fusion and arrhythmia, including as secondary to herbicide exposure. The Board found that there was no evidence of an in-service injury or disease related to these conditions, and that presumptive service connection is not available due to lack of herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative disc disease was restored to a 20% rating from February 1, 2014 through April 13, 2015.,The Veteran's right upper extremity radiculopathy remains at a 0% rating.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's low back disability, including obtaining treatment records from Dr. P.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed low back disability and skin condition of bilateral feet/legs. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's low back disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and may not be presumed to have been so incurred or aggravated. The criteria for a separate 10 percent disability rating for multiple noncompensable service-connected disabilities were not met.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete records and a need to review the Veteran's medical history.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease was not manifested by forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, and no ankylosis was found. The claim for a higher evaluation is denied.

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 found that there is no evidence of a low back disability in service or within one year post-service, and the Veteran's current lumbar degenerative disc disease and arthritis are not causally related to his service-connected cervical spine condition. The claim for increased ratings was denied as well.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to engage and retain substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and thus denies his claim for a TDIU.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities has been rated at 20 percent since April 7, 2009.,Since July 29, 2016, the Veteran's radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities has been rated at 40 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability is related to his active service and granted service connection for this condition. The GERD issue remains pending as a new VA examination is required due to potential presumptive service connection under Gulf War criteria. The bilateral shoulder condition issue also requires further development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, Social Security Administration records, and a supplemental VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected lumbar degenerative disc disease and right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for service connection of degenerative disc disease of the low back. The Veteran's eczematous dermatitis of both lower extremities, including the feet, was incurred in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder, including disc pathology, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and is not related to any occurrence or event therein. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine and right knee disabilities are related to service, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his lumbar spine disability is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back disorder, premature ventricular contractions, excessive potassium levels, and kidney disorder. The claim for left knee disorder is being remanded.