Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease was rated at 20 percent, and the TDIU claim was granted effective October 30, 2015.

The Board has remanded the case due to further development being needed, including verifying service dates and affording the Veteran VA examination(s). The appeal is now pending again.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, as new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claim.,Service connection was also denied for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) and deep venous thrombosis. The Veteran did not provide sufficient evidence to establish these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by his military service.,The Board found that there is no indication of any event, injury, or disease during the Veteran's period of active duty training (ACDUTRA), which precluded him from receiving presumptive service connection for these disabilities.

The Veteran's initial rating claims for lumbar spondylolisthesis and degenerative disc disease, bilateral pes planus, and left ankle disorder have been granted. The claim for a left knee disorder has been withdrawn.,Service connection was established for grade IV chondromalacia of distal left intermediate cuneiform and remote avulsion of the left anterior talofibular ligament distal fibula.

The Veteran is entitled to additional compensation for his then-wife and stepchild from October 31, 2005 through October 31, 2007 based on the combined disability rating of 30 percent.

The Board finds the Veteran is entitled to service connection for a deviated septum with recurrent sinusitis, as it was caused by an in-service occurrence. The lower back condition and PTSD claims are remanded for additional development.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for back disability, right knee disability, and left knee disability. The case is REMANDED for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since February 1, 2015.

The Veteran's lumbosacral spine disability is currently rated at 40 percent, which reflects the severity of her symptoms and functional impairment. The claim for increased ratings remains denied as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes that would warrant higher ratings under either the General Rating Formula or the IVDS Based on Incapacitating Episodes criteria.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, PTSD, right hip condition, and low back condition due to new evidence. The Veteran's alcohol abuse claim is denied as it is not a secondary result of an organic disease or disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his lumbar spine disability. The claim for service connection for bilateral hip disabilities will also be considered in light of any findings regarding his lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable evaluation prior to October 28, 2011 was denied as his pre-existing lumbosacral spine disability did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. From October 28, 2011 onwards, his claim for an increased evaluation was also denied due to lack of evidence showing incapacitating episodes or unfavorable ankylosis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records from Miami and conducting examinations to determine the severity of his service-connected lumbar spine and right lumbosacral radiculopathy.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for examinations to determine the nature and etiology of any current bilateral knee disability, back disability, and psychiatric disability. The Veteran's claims will be readjudicated based on all evidence.

The Board denied reopening of the claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 for degenerative disc disease of the cervical and lumbar spine, fibromyalgia, and myositis due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected DDD of the lumbar spine and cervical spine have been increased to 20 percent disabling, effective from February 29, 2012. The claim for TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his back disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy have been denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations.

The Board has granted service connection for low back degenerative disc disease as aggravated by a service-connected disability and service connection for right ear hearing loss. The issue of an initial rating higher than 40 percent for traumatic brain injury residuals is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and arthritis of the right hip, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case for issuance of an SOC and further development, including review of the issues related to service connection. The claim for the left leg radiculopathy will be deferred until the intertwined issues are resolved or prepared for appellate consideration.