Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected spondylosis of the lumbar spine was rated at 20 percent prior to January 30, 2012. The claim for a TDIU was granted.

The Veteran's service connection for thoracolumbar strain was granted with a 10% rating from April 1, 2003 to August 12, 2008. From August 13, 2008 onwards, the claim for an increased evaluation was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine, left shoulder, thoracolumbar spine, and left hip disabilities are not service-connected as they have not been shown to be causally related to his military service.

The Board denied an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for cervical degenerative disc disease and service connection for throat cancer, claimed as due to exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's appeals for higher initial disability ratings were denied. The VA examinations and medical records did not support the requested increased ratings.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete examination reports and conflicting evidence of record.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is rated at 20 percent, and his neurological manifestations of the left and right lower extremities are each rated at 10 percent. The Board finds that these ratings adequately reflect the severity of the Veteran's disabilities.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and associated radiculopathy have been granted increased ratings, with the right lower extremity radiculopathy receiving a separate rating.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is service-connected, and he is entitled to a rating of 30 percent for his radiculopathy of the right upper radicular group since May 18, 2012. His right shoulder disability is also service-connected, with a current rating of 30 percent effective from August 12, 2015.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder and low back disabilities due to incomplete records of his service medical history. The Veteran will be afforded a VA examination to determine the etiology of any current disorders.

The Veteran's chronic orthopedic manifestations of service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability resulted in forward flexion of no worse than 75 degrees, reduced to 60 degrees with repetitive motion testing. The criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent have not been met for the period beginning April 24, 2007 to October 25, 2015.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for his chronic lumbar strain disability due to inadequate examination and failure to address DeLuca and Mitchell criteria.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss, right ear hearing loss, tinnitus, and low back disability as there is no evidence of a current disability or in-service incurrence. The claim for left foot plantar fasciitis was not adjudicated.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including new VA examinations and a supplemental statement of the case.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to unavailability of service treatment records and a need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to be incurred in active service and granted. The claims for increased evaluations of her lumbar spine and bilateral knee disabilities are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, including bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The claims for refractive error of the eyes, right and left knee disorders, lumbar spine disorder, and macular hole of the right eye are also denied as there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine if the Veteran's current low back and heart disabilities are related to service, including any in-service incidents.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an updated medical opinion regarding the Veteran's back and bilateral leg disabilities. The case will be returned for further action.

The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current low back disability, including degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine, is related to his military service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is granted.