Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board found that the evidence did not support service connection for a low back disability, left shoulder disability, or depressive disorder due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for lumbar degenerative disc disease with spondylolisthesis was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating at any time during the appeal period.,For the period prior to December 2, 2010, the disability was rated as 20 percent disabling and for the period from December 2, 2010, it was rated as 40 percent disabling.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected lumbar disability and its impact on his ability to work. The TDIU claim will be adjudicated in conjunction with the initial rating claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a low back disability and peripheral neuropathy, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were granted, and he was assigned a 30 percent rating for his vertigo as of November 27, 2006. The issues of increased initial ratings for TBI-related disabilities and entitlement to TDIU are also addressed.

The Veteran's back disability has been rated at 60 percent since August 27, 2008. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms have not met criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating and extension of a temporary total rating were denied. The Board found that the criteria for extending the temporary total rating beyond December 31, 2010, have not been met, and that the criteria for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability prior to January 23, 2015, and as of January 23, 2015, have not been met.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for urinary tract infections, thoracolumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, and bilateral feet disability.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD was granted, but the claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction and an increased rating for lumbar spine disability remains denied.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic low back strain and prostate cancer disabilities have rendered him unable to obtain or retain substantially gainful employment, resulting in a TDIU grant.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected recurrent left inguinal hernia caused or aggravated his current left hip degenerative joint disease, lumbosacral spine disability, and neuropathy of the lumbosacral spine.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's hypertension and lumbar spine disability have not been found to warrant higher evaluations under the applicable rating criteria.

The Veteran's right and left carpal tunnel syndromes have been rated as 20 percent disabling, effective October 21, 2011. The cervical spine disability has also been rated as 20 percent disabling.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the percentage requirements for a TDIU, and her inability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to her service-connected disabilities has been established.

The Board has remanded the case for further proceedings consistent with a Memorandum Decision from the Court, including referral of the TDIU issue to the VA Under Secretary for Benefits or the VA Director of Compensation and Pension Service under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b).

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his active duty service and his current condition. The Veteran is also not entitled to special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to July 31, 2014.

The Veteran's right kidney cyst is found to be secondary to his service-connected epididymitis, and thus service connection for the condition is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service. Service connection was denied for a low back disability due to lack of evidence showing it is related to service.