Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran's low back, left knee, right foot, and left foot disabilities are not service-connected as they did not manifest during active service or due to a service-connected disability. The VA examinations indicated these conditions were more likely related to natural aging processes rather than service.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings have been adjudicated in multiple decisions, resulting in a mixed disposition. The initial rating for Scheuermann's disease and dorsolumbar strain has not met the criteria for an increased evaluation, while the left knee extension claim is pending with respect to the period prior to September 15, 2011.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the thoracic spine has not resulted in ankylosis or forward flexion limited to 30 degrees, and there is no evidence of incapacitating episodes meeting the criteria for a higher rating. As such, a rating in excess of 20 percent is denied.

The Board has granted a TDIU effective February 2, 2009. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in unemployability since that date.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for low back pain was denied, and his TDIU claim was also denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating or entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's low back disability and bowel/bladder disorders are not service-connected as they did not begin during service or are not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back and bilateral foot disabilities did not manifest during service or are otherwise related to his military service, and therefore denied both claims for service connection.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and associated lower extremity radiculopathies are currently rated 40 percent and 20 percent, respectively. The Board finds that these ratings are not higher than warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claim that his low back disability was incurred in service, and thus denied the claim.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability and granted service connection based on evidence showing that his current condition is related to active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar disability and left lower extremity radiculopathy are currently rated at 20 percent and 10 percent, respectively. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings on several conditions and special monthly compensation (SMC) have been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a video conference hearing. His claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disc herniation remains pending.

The Board has scheduled a video-conference hearing for the Veteran due to his request and acceptance of rescheduling. The appeal is remanded as it involves service connection for a back disability, which may be decided on the merits.

The Veteran's service-connected left foot/ankle disability and low back disability have been granted, but the ratings are at their maximum allowable levels.

The Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease is rated at 60 percent effective May 22, 2014. Prior to that date, the claim for an increased rating was granted but not yet assigned a specific percentage.

The Veteran has a current lumbar spine disability that is attributable to complaints and treatment in service. The Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated as 20 percent disabling, and his right ear hearing loss is rated as noncompensable. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's current lumbar spine and acquired psychiatric disorders are not caused by or permanently made worse by his service-connected bilateral pes planus.