Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain was evaluated at 10 percent prior to April 3, 2015. As of April 3, 2015, the Veteran is entitled to a 20 percent evaluation for his lumbosacral strain.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral DDD with L4 wedging was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for such an increase.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative joint disease, lumbar spine. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) is pending and will be addressed in the remand portion.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches and lumbar strain with scoliosis and degenerative disc disease have rendered her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to April 3, 2013.

The Board found that the Veteran's current low back disability is not due to a disease or injury incurred in active service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current cervical spine disability is not related to his active duty service or any service-connected condition, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disorder is not related to his active duty service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability and lumbar spine disability were evaluated as 10 percent prior to April 16, 2013. From April 16, 2013, the Veteran's cervical spine disability was rated at 30 percent and his lumbar spine disability was rated at 40 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a VA examination and ensuring all necessary records are obtained.

The Board denied the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for a back disability, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The Veteran's low back disability, diagnosed as DDD, was not shown to meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to August 7, 2008.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings and effective date earlier than March 10, 2006 for service connection of left knee strain, right knee strain, and lumbar strain. The effective date remains March 10, 2006.

The Veteran's right hip disability, including osteoarthritis and total right hip arthroplasty with residuals, is found to be service-connected. The Board also granted service connection for left hip, back, bilateral knee, and bilateral ankle disabilities as secondary to the right hip disability.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's upper and lower back disorders, left knee disorder, right hip and left hip disorders as secondary to his service-connected right knee degenerative joint disease. The effective date is August 25, 2008.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records and provide the Veteran with VA examinations.

The Veteran's tinnitus and low back disability are found to be related to his active service, while the claim for bilateral hearing loss is dismissed due to withdrawal of appeal. The Veteran's right knee disability is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's diagnosed degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine is as likely as not related to his active service, and the Board finds that he is entitled to service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disease of the cervical spine, PTSD, degenerative disease of the lumbar spine, diabetes mellitus type II, left upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and residual scars, rendered him unable to care for himself. The Board found that he required regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for a VA examination. The Veteran's back, right knee, and right ankle disabilities are under review.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, sciatic nerve disability, and an acquired psychiatric disability (depression and/or anxiety) as secondary to his low back disability. The decision found that there was no nexus between the current disabilities and service.