Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his psychiatric disability (PTSD), hypertension, and service connection for low back and cervical spine disabilities. The decision also addressed a claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities prior to May 9, 2014, but did not address the specific claim for TDIU solely due to PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a left knee disability, low back disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (schizophrenia) in January 1985 and May 1997. The current appeal seeks to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Board has determined that a new TBI examination is necessary to clarify whether the Veteran has residuals of his inservice head trauma and, if so, what such residuals are. The appeal will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination and completion of a formal application for TDIU. The issues on appeal are an initial rating for low back disability and entitlement to TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and a low back disorder. The Veteran's current psychiatric disability is related to his active service, while his current low back disorder is likely due to the normal process of aging and his reported injury in service.

The Veteran does not have a current disability to include TMJ, nasal, or right wrist disorders related to service. The Board finds that VA has fulfilled the duties to notify and assist in this case.,VA has also found no evidence of current lumbar spine or cervical spine disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral wrist, knee, and ankle disabilities were incurred in service. The Veteran's left ear hearing loss disability was caused by service. Tinnitus was also found to be incurred in service. Service connection for lumbar spondylosis and left lower extremity radiculopathy is granted.

The Board has received a withdrawal of the appeals from the Veteran, thus dismissing the cases.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and found new and material evidence to reopen the claim for a thoracolumbar spine disability. The Veteran's tinnitus is presumed due to noise exposure during service, while his current respiratory conditions are linked to in-service symptoms of shortness of breath.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant. As a result, no further action will be taken on this case.

The Veteran's right knee chondromalacia patella has been granted a 20 percent disability rating, effective from the date of this decision. The restoration of a 20 percent rating for his lumbar spine condition is also granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability was granted in an October 2012 rating decision. The appeal is dismissed as the benefit sought has been granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disorder, including narrowing of L5-S1 disc space with osteoarthritis, was not incurred in or aggravated by service and arthritis may not be presumed to have been incurred or aggravated therein.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back strain has been manifested by pain and limitation of motion, but not ankylosis. Therefore, a rating higher than 40 percent is not warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a videoconference hearing before the Board. The claims of service connection and rating for Achilles tendonitis and thoracolumbar spine strain are still pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back DDD was not caused or aggravated by any service-connected disability, including his service-connected hallux valgus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability was incurred during his service and is therefore granted for purposes of accrued benefits.

The Board has remanded the appellant's claims for further development, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing for his low back disorder claim and providing an SOC for his bilateral foot disorder claim. The appeal is not yet resolved.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The cervical spondylosis was rated at 20 percent, the lumbar spine disability at 10 percent, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity associated with the lumbar spine disability at 20 percent. His combined rating is 40 percent.