Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board granted a TDIU on a schedular basis effective from March 5, 2014.

The Veteran's lumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome and associated right and left lower extremity radiculopathy are rated at 20 percent from February 3, 2014. The Board granted the higher ratings for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral shoulder, left calf, left hand, left thumb, cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, and left knee disorders are not service-connected.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and compliance with examination protocols.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disability is not related to his service and has denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was rated at 40 percent, but not higher. His left knee disability and acid reflux were not found to be related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was evaluated at a noncompensable (10%) rating from February 19, 2005 to February 21, 2012. The Board denied an initial evaluation in excess of 10% for the period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability, diagnosed as degenerative disc disease, is at least in relative equipoise with service connection. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder, including spina bifida occulta. The Veteran's currently diagnosed chronic herniated nucleus pulposus and lumbar spinal stenosis with sciatica had their onset during his period of active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and an appropriate VA examination for his service-connected low back strain with degenerative disc disease. The TDIU claim may also be affected by the outcome of this rating decision.

The Veteran's need for aid and attendance of another person is established, but the RO needs to determine if his service-connected disabilities alone are sufficient to render him in need of such assistance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disability is not etiologically related to military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. The effective date for the grant of service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is July 15, 1998.

The Board has determined that a new VA medical examination is needed to address the etiology of the Veteran's low back disability, particularly in relation to his service-connected left knee excision and right knee strain.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, finding that there was no evidence to support these conditions during his military service or within one year after separation.

The Veteran's chronic lumbar strain was found to not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to January 16, 2014 and on or after that date. The Board determined that his disability did not warrant an increased rating based on the evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and readjudication, including obtaining vocational rehabilitation files, SSA records, and treatment records. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also being considered as it is related to his low back strain.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was initially granted, but the initial rating of 10% has been maintained. Prior to June 2, 2011, his flexion was limited to 90 degrees with no pain on testing; as of June 2, 2011, it was limited to 45 degrees due to pain.

The Board denied service connection for arthritis of the knees, cervical spine, and low back as not related to active service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity and manifestations of his service-connected lumbar spine and hip disabilities.