Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current back and neck disability was caused or aggravated by his service-connected left shoulder disability. The appeal is now pending again with the RO.

The Veteran's claim for a separate rating for his service-connected low back disability and associated radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is denied as there is no legal basis for such a rating.

The Board found that a chronic back disability was not present in service or for several years thereafter, and the competent and probative evidence failed to link the Veteran's current back disability to service.

The Veteran's low back pain syndrome has not resulted in any compensable disability rating due to the lack of evidence showing significant impairment, and his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions, including service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a Travel Board hearing at the local RO. The Veteran's claims of service connection for degenerative arthritis, cervical spine disorder, and leg pain are pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been granted, with a noncompensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and a 10 percent rating for right elbow tendonitis effective August 2, 2013. The claims for restless leg syndrome, right knee condition, and left knee condition were denied.

The evidence shows that the Veteran's DDD of the thoracolumbar spine more nearly approximates forward flexion of 30 degrees or less, and symptoms did not more nearly approximate ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. The Board finds a rating of 40 percent is warranted for this condition.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic lumbar strain, finding that his gait disturbance from his already service-connected right foot, knee and ankle conditions has caused his current back disorder. The appeals for a right hip condition and an increased rating for hearing loss have been withdrawn.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent, and his costochondritis is currently rated as noncompensable.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is productive of muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal spinal contour, warranting a 20 percent rating prior to November 13, 2012.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar disc disease is related to his in-service injury, and thus service connection for this condition is granted. However, there is no evidence linking the Veteran's hepatitis C to his military service.

The Board has dismissed the appeals as the Veteran withdrew his claims for service connection for a pulmonary condition, an increased disability rating higher than 40 percent for residuals of a left leg shell fragment wound, and an initial disability rating higher than 20 percent for left lower extremity scar residual of shrapnel wound and skin graft. The Board also found that the Veteran's lumbar spine strain is secondary to his service-connected residuals of a left leg shell fragment wound.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected herniated nucleus pulposus, post-operative, of the thoracolumbar spine and left lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board found that the Veteran's right wrist and lumbar spine disorders were not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected left ankle tendonitis, thus denying both claims for service connection.

The Board found no evidence of a low back disability, to include degenerative disc disease and stenosis, that is attributable to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's lumbosacral spine strain is not service-connected as it did not manifest during or within one year after service, and there is no evidence of continuity of symptoms since service. The Board finds the Veteran's current recollections of continuous symptoms to be less credible.

The Veteran's lumbar back strain is manifested by pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. The VA has determined that the disability does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.