Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 5237. The Board finds no evidence of ankylosis or IVDS that would warrant a higher rating. For his right shoulder strain, the current ratings are appropriate as he does not meet criteria for a higher evaluation based on range of motion.

The Veteran's back disability, including his intervertebral disc disease, is rated at 40% effective April 19, 2011. The effective date for the TDIU was extended to January 31, 2007.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current back disability related to his service-connected right ankle condition, and therefore denied service connection for a back disability. The initial rating of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease of the right fibula was also denied as there is no evidence supporting an increase in disability.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, effective March 25, 2003. The appeal for a higher rating remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection or an increase in disability rating.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for left knee, right knee, and low back disabilities as well as his claim for service connection for hemorrhoids. However, no new rating assigned as the evidence does not warrant a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and addressing his pension claim.

The Board found that the Veteran's lower back disability, manifested by chronic low back pain and limited range of motion, does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating than 40 percent.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic lumbar spine disability during service or within one year post-service, and the Veteran's current condition is not related to his military service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding service connection for a low back disorder at the December 2015 Board hearing. The remaining issues of initial compensable evaluations for numbness of the right and left hands are addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and relevant post-service medical records. The Veteran will be scheduled for VA examinations to assess the severity of his migraine headaches, cervical spine condition, GERD, gastritis, and residuals of cholecystectomy.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the March 2016 rating decision granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy affecting the bilateral lower extremities, which is now a fully granted issue.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for a back disability and hypertension are being REMANDED to the AOJ.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension is being reopened due to new evidence received since the March 2010 rating decision. The AOJ should locate the prior denial decision and associate it with the record before readjudicating the matter.,The Veteran's claims of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both upper extremities, peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, and a disability of both lower extremities (other than peripheral neuropathy) are being REMANDED to the AOJ. The AOJ should obtain VA treatment records related to these conditions.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension is being REMANDED to the AOJ. The AOJ should locate outstanding VA treatment records and arrange for a VA examination with nexus opinion to determine the likely etiology of his current hypertension.

The Board has found that further development is needed for VA to fulfill its duties mandated under the VCAA. The case is REMANDED for the following actions: (1) Obtain all available treatment records from Dr. Qureshi at Arkansas Spine and Pain, as well as any updated VA treatment records since October 2011; (2) Arrange for a spine examination of the Veteran to ascertain the nature and likely etiology of any current back disability; (3) Ensure that all development sought is completed, review the record, readjudicate the claims, and issue an appropriate supplemental statement of the case if necessary.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and assigned a 10% rating. The Veteran's current lumbar spine condition is not service-connected, as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease. Service connection was also denied for left ear disorder (other than hearing loss), anxiety, depression, and sleep disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to a scheduling issue for a Travel Board hearing, and no other decisions have been made regarding service connection claims.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was granted a 20 percent rating effective November 18, 2010. The increased ratings for the left lower extremity sciatica and lumbar spine disability are granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations to determine the severity of the Veteran's service-connected right femur disorder and low back disability.

The Board finds that the Veteran's low back disability was noted upon entry into service and is not shown to be aggravated by his service. The claims for headaches, nausea, dizziness, hearing loss, and tinnitus are remanded as they may be related to a single medical condition.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as generalized anxiety disorder. The cervical and lumbar spine disabilities are being remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.