Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability does not warrant a higher rating, and his secondary service connection for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity is granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, bilateral hip degenerative joint disease, and bilateral knee disability. However, it denied these claims as there was no evidence linking the current conditions to his active service.

The Board found no evidence of a low back disability during service or within the first post-service year, and concluded that any current low back condition is more likely due to normal wear and tear over time rather than military service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for reopening a claim of service connection for a neck disability, as well as for ratings in excess of 40 percent for a low back disability and right foot cold injury residuals, and for ratings in excess of 20 percent for left lower extremity and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy. The Board has dismissed these appeals.

The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 10 percent, effective July 25, 2012. The RO reduced the rating from 40 to 10 percent, but restoration of a 40 percent rating is warranted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's current bilateral foot, knee, and back disabilities. The Veteran is requested to provide any outstanding medical records and a VA examination will be scheduled.

The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 20 percent from February 28, 2007 through July 11, 2011. From July 12, 2011 onwards, the Veteran is entitled to a rating of 20 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining SSA and VA treatment records.

The Board has restored the Veteran's disability rating for DDD of the lumbar spine to 40 percent, effective April 1, 2009. The Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating as his condition does not meet the criteria for unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, right leg disability (including as secondary to right knee and ankle osteoarthritis), and respiratory disorder. The decision also found that the current ratings for right knee and ankle osteoarthritis were appropriate.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability, including DJD, DDD, and scoliosis, is related to his active service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative before the Board could issue a decision.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected chronic lumbar strain L5-S1 with discectomy was denied. The RO granted a 100% rating from November 10, 2008 until June 1, 2009. From that date forward, the Veteran is rated at 40%. The effective dates for these ratings are specified.

The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating of 40 percent is warranted based on limitation of motion.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability was denied, and the Board remanded it for further development. The case is now being returned to the AOJ for additional development including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling an orthopedic examination.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for chronic lumbar strain has been granted.,Service connection for eczema has also been established.

The Board found that the Veteran's back disability is not related to his active service or secondary to his service-connected right knee osteoarthritis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disability, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar and thoracic spine, is related to her active service. The issue of whether her pre-existing scoliosis was aggravated by service remains in equipoise.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical records and a new VA opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's back disability.

The Board denied service connection for low back disability, cervical spine disability, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome as the Veteran's conditions did not manifest within one year of separation from active duty or are not related to his military service.