Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar DDD and right sciatic nerve dysfunction were granted initial schedular ratings of 10 percent prior to May 2015, with a subsequent increase to 20 percent effective from November 30, 2013.

The Board has found that there may be outstanding SSA records relevant to the Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, and thus remanded for further development including seeking these records.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for chronic lumbosacral strain was denied. The VA examiner found that the Veteran’s range of motion did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation, and his symptoms were adequately addressed by the current 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for higher evaluations of his service-connected conditions, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and bilateral hearing loss. The issues raised include TDIU.

The Veteran's intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine was rated at 60 percent disabling from February 5, 2003, to September 1, 2003. The service-connected tenosynovitis of the right ankle also warranted a zero percent rating during this period.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder with sciatica was granted a 40 percent disability rating effective January 5, 2010.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle, low back, and left shoulder disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated by his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate rationale in a previous VA examination and the need for updated treatment records. The Veteran's low back disability is being evaluated again to determine if it is related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and adjudication due to concerns raised by the Court regarding the adequacy of a June 2014 VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran was not entitled to a TDIU prior to April 1, 2003 due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have precluded substantially gainful employment since May 1, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the passage of time and failure to reschedule VA examinations for her service-connected conditions, as well as new claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's current low back disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disability was previously denied in July 1981. The VA has now reopened the claim and is remanding it to obtain additional medical records, particularly from VA facilities where the Veteran received treatment.

The Board granted a 40 percent rating for the Veteran's low back disorder, effective from March 31, 2015. The decision also found service connection for right leg radiculopathy secondary to the low back disorder.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for her service-connected right knee degenerative joint disease, lumbosacral spine disability, and headaches are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations to assess the current severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA outpatient treatment records and considering them in the context of his claim for an increased disability rating for thoracolumbar hyperextension strain.

The Board denied the reopening of a claim for service connection for a low back strain due to lack of new and material evidence. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were also denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increase in rating for service-connected lumbar spondylosis was denied as a matter of law due to his failure to report for a scheduled VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain, disc disease, and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine are currently rated at 20 percent. The right middle finger disability is also rated at its maximum allowable rating for ankylosis or limitation of motion.