Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a neck or back disability that was caused by his service. Therefore, the claims for service connection for these disabilities are denied.

The Veteran's appeal for higher initial disability ratings for left knee tendonitis and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not warrant a higher rating based on limitation of motion or other diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating (40%) is warranted for this condition.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with mild to minimal broad-based disc bulge at L4-5 and L5-S1 has been manifested by intervertebral disc syndrome with severe symptoms, recurring attacks, and intermittent relief. The Board finds that the criteria for a 40 percent disability rating have been met.

The Board denied reopening the claim for service connection for a back disability and found no new and material evidence. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were also denied, as there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions. The effective date for service connection for a left shoulder disability remains September 12, 2013.

The Board has ordered the case back to the AOJ for additional development due to incomplete records and for consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran is entitled to a TDIU prior to April 9, 2014 due to her service-connected disabilities preventing her from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 40 percent, effective October 31, 2011. The left knee disability remains at a 40 percent rating since October 1, 2014.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities are due to her military service, resolving all reasonable doubt in her favor.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for low back and right knee disabilities due to outstanding workmen's compensation records and private treatment records.

The Veteran's low back disability does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent, as his forward flexion is greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees and his combined range of motion is not greater than 120 degrees. The Board found that he did not have muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or spinal contour.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma was denied, as the evidence did not establish a nexus to his active duty service or herbicide exposure. His claim for an increased rating for coronary artery disease prior to December 21, 2015, is also denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the appellant's request for withdrawal prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain relevant records and provide a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current low back disorder.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are found to be related to service, and the claim for service connection is granted.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD (including panic disorder with agoraphobia) is found to be related to service, and the claim for service connection is granted.,The Veteran's residuals of a fractured nose to include sinusitis are found to be related to service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to schedule a travel Board hearing. The AOJ should confirm the Veteran's current address and reschedule the hearing.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of lumbar laminectomy have been granted a TDIU and secondary service connection for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity. The rating for residuals of lumbar laminectomy remains at 60 percent.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his low back disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Board found that new evidence was submitted to reopen the claim for service connection of a low back disability, but did not find any link between the Veteran's current condition and his active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for various conditions, including coronary artery disease, migraine headaches, lumbosacral spine strain, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The RO has already granted a 100% rating for coronary artery disease effective October 30, 2014. Other issues remain pending.