Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is not manifested by polyps or greater than 50% obstruction of a nasal passage, and the claim for an initial compensable rating was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including migraine headaches and major depression, have rendered her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to April 9, 2012.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and left ankle disability did not arise during service or for many years thereafter, and are not related to his military service. The claim for low back disability is pending as there was no diagnosis provided in this decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his thoracolumbar spine disability and any associated neurological conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and left ankle disability did not arise during service or for many years thereafter, and are not related to his military service. The claim for low back disability is pending as there was no diagnosis provided in this decision.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction, a 100% rating for major depression, and increased ratings for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and hypertension. The issue of TDIU based solely on the service-connected lumbar spine disorder is also granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to concerns about credibility of the Veteran's statements regarding back pain and a need for clarification on the diagnosis of mechanical low back pain/lumbosacral strain.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his service-connected chronic low back/middle back syndrome is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for increased rating of lumbar strain was denied. The RO found that the disability did not meet criteria for higher ratings based on range of motion or ankylosis.

The Veteran's cervical spondylosis and lumbar spine disability have been rated based on their service-connected nature. The Veteran is seeking higher initial evaluations for these conditions, but the current ratings of 20% for cervical spondylosis and 10% for the lumbar spine disability are maintained.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain was rated at 10 percent prior to May 31, 2012.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his back disability and diabetes mellitus, preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment. As a result, TDIU is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for further examination and consideration due to inadequate examinations in December 2012.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is not related to his service-connected disabilities. As such, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent prior to January 9, 2008, and in excess of 70 percent thereafter, for bilateral hearing loss has been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that his disability warrants such ratings.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations, particularly regarding his thoracolumbar spine condition, adjustment disorder with anxious mood, and traumatic brain injury.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder and the increased evaluation claim for aphakia left eye with glaucoma. The Veteran's lay statements regarding continuous symptoms since service were outweighed by other evidence, including lack of treatment records prior to 1993.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his relocation and the need for a new hearing date. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar segment of the spine, and right foot disability are still pending.

The Veteran's appeal includes a claim for an increased rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability and another to establish an earlier effective date. The case is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and arranging for the Veteran to undergo a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and consideration of his claim for TDIU.