Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected back and right knee disabilities have been rated based on their current manifestations, with the lumbar spine receiving a 10% rating since March 2008 and the right knee receiving a non-compensable rating prior to June 16, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and the provision of a basis for rating each claim on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the severity of his PTSD and back disorder.

The Veteran's current osteoarthritis of the right knee, degenerative osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine, adjustment disorder with depressed mood, left hallux valgus and bunion deformity with early degenerative changes of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, and bone spurs of the right ankle are all related to his service-connected right foot disability.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD was granted effective July 6, 2010. However, his claim for TDIU was denied as there was no evidence of unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities prior to that date.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy associated with lumbar spondylosis is being remanded due to outstanding VA and SSA records, as well as the need for further medical examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for malaria, low back disability, and right wrist ganglionectomy residuals were denied. The Board found that there was no evidence of an in-service event or disease related to these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination to determine the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as the evidence does not support an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for lumbar spine disability.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral testicular epididymitis and found that the Veteran's current condition is related to his active military service. The remaining issues on appeal will be addressed in a separate remand.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and right lower extremity sciatica are currently rated at the lowest possible rating of 10 percent, which is not sufficient to reflect the severity of his symptoms. Service connection for depression was denied, and entitlement to a TDIU rating remains in dispute.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the Veteran's failure to report for a VA examination and lack of updated contact information. The case is now remanded for further action.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine did not meet or nearly approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent prior to April 12, 2011.

The Veteran's appeals for higher initial ratings for PTSD and Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbar Spine were denied. The appeal was dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to have started during service and is therefore granted service connection. The low back disability and sleep disorder claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to increased evaluations for right ankle avulsion fracture residuals, service connection for left knee and low back disorders were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent prior to March 1, 2013, or a 20 percent evaluation after March 1, 2013 for right ankle avulsion fracture residuals. Service connection was also denied for left knee and low back disorders.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and multiple spine conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board granted a 40 percent evaluation for the low back disability since May 12, 2014. The Veteran was also granted TDIU effective June 15, 2012.

The Board found that the Veteran's back disability is not related to his military service and denied both his claims for service connection.