Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's claimed conditions, including colitis, thoracic scoliosis, low back pain, polyarthritis of bilateral elbows and knees (claimed as rheumatoid arthritis), nephrolithiasis (kidney stones), a disability manifested by loss of balance, difficulty walking, standing, sitting, dehydration, suppressed immune system, and extreme fatigue due to Remicade infusion, pancreatitis, and restless leg syndrome. The effective date for these service connection decisions is not specified.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's service-connected fibromyositis of the lumbosacral paravertebral muscles with overlapping degenerative disc disease, left arm scar, and residuals of fracture of the right middle finger. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was also denied on the merits.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent since February 12, 2015. The Board finds that the criteria for a higher rating are met as of September 9, 2010.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability did not have its onset in service and is not otherwise related to service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disorder and body cramps are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Veteran's low back disability has been rated at 40 percent since May 4, 2010. The rating is based on limitation of motion consistent with flexion limited to 30 degrees or less.

The Board found that the reduction in the evaluation for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability from 40 percent to 20 percent was improper due to lack of improvement in his condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is service-connected, but remanded for further development regarding his claims of hepatitis C and low back disability.

The Board found no current diagnoses for the claimed low back, skin, or hypertension disabilities and thus denied service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and SSA records.

The Board has determined that the actual dates of service are unclear and needs to be verified. The Veteran's claims for sinusitis, low back disability, and headache disability will need further examination and medical opinions based on the verified service dates.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations, updated treatment records, and further development of his claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder, including degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and an examination.

The Veteran is not entitled to service connection for a right knee disorder, as it is due to normal aging and did not manifest within one year of separation from service.,The Veteran's back disability is related to his period of active military service.

The Veteran's claim of an increased rating for his service-connected back disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and readjudicating the issue.

The Veteran's combined rating for all service-connected disabilities is 80 percent, meeting the threshold criteria for a TDIU. The Board finds that he is unable to secure and follow substantially gainful occupation due solely to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, diabetes mellitus type II, bilateral vision loss, a psychiatric disability (anxiety disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder), chronic headaches, sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, arthritis of the right shoulder, arthritis of the left shoulder, low back disability, right hip disability, left hip disability, arthritis of the right knee, arthritis of the left knee, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy have been denied. The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss has also been denied.

The Veteran's current diagnosis of plantar fasciitis is related to a period of service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The issue of increased rating for back disorder and hearing loss in the left ear remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for back disability and respiratory disability, to include sinusitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining treatment records from Dr. Cohen and providing VA examinations.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected disabilities, including left foot paresthesias, exostosis of the left ankle, right shoulder capsulitis with nonunion fracture of the acromion and surgical scar, and left ankle scar. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a brain tumor - right bifrontal meningioma has been reopened due to new evidence submitted since his last final denial in 2013.