Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's spine disabilities, specifically degenerative joint disease of the thoracic and lumbar spine, are rated at 20 percent prior to July 9, 2009, and 40 percent beginning from that date. The Veteran also has right lower extremity radiculopathy as a neurological manifestation of his spine disability, which is separately rated at 10 percent prior to July 9, 2009, and 20 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for cervical degenerative disc disease, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus have been withdrawn. The claim of an increased disability rating for right anterior leg tibialis muscle hernia has also been withdrawn.

The Veteran's chronic vasomotor rhinitis with recurrent epistaxis is found to be related to service, and service connection for this condition is granted. The Board finds that additional development is needed for the remaining issues on appeal.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorders are being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical opinions and additional VA treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including COPD and back disorders, have rendered her unable to maintain substantially gainful employment consistent with her education and occupational background.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed conditions, including his claimed lumbar and cervical spine disorders, bilateral hand and shoulder conditions, bilateral knee and hip disorders, are at least as likely as not related to service. The appeal is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disorder and back disorder, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active service or service-connected hypertension. The Veteran's hypertension is currently rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was granted, but no specific rating is assigned. The issues of increased ratings for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy are addressed.

The Board has granted the petition to reopen the claim for service connection for a back disability, and determined that new and material evidence has been received. The case is now remanded for further development.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions, including right and left ankle disorders, hip disorders, upper extremity disorders, leg disorders, neck disorder, back disorder, and headaches. The appeal includes claims of secondary service connection.,The Veteran seeks service connection for surgical complications of a pregnancy that occurred prior to her entry into active duty.

The Veteran's back disability is currently rated at 40 percent, and he has a separate rating for bowel impairment. The claims for right foot disorder and left foot disorder are denied.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain results in pain and stiffness, but her symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's low back strain was found to not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to May 19, 2010 and denied for a rating in excess of 20 percent beginning May 19, 2010.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need for VA treatment records, including from Dr. Andjuar at the San Juan VAMC.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a VA examination and addressing the issues of service connection and TDIU.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain has not resulted in forward flexion less than 61 degrees, a combined range of motion less than 121 degrees, or an abnormal gait or spinal contour. Therefore, the claim for a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn and the case is dismissed.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back and right hip conditions, including as secondary to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including prostate cancer, PTSD, and peripheral neuropathy, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's low back disorder had its onset in service and is granted service connection. The issues of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for erectile dysfunction, and entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 70 percent prior to January 23, 2013 are remanded.