Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's lumbar spine spondylosis with degenerative disc disease was rated at 10 percent prior to November 10, 2015. The claim for a higher rating is granted.

The Veteran's low back disability resulted in severe intervertebral disc syndrome prior to September 27, 2000. From September 27, 2000, the disability did not meet criteria for a higher rating based on incapacitating episodes or ankylosis.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his conditions have not met the criteria for increased ratings or service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected low back disability has rendered him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment since September 19, 2014. The Board grants a TDIU effective from that date.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, dental condition (treatable carious teeth), and PTSD. The denial is based on lack of new and material evidence for the low back disability claim and because the Veteran does not have a compensable dental disability or a compensable rating for his right wrist scar.

The Board has granted a 50 percent disability rating for bilateral hearing loss effective March 5, 2014. The Veteran's claim for service connection for low back disorder and leg pain and neuropathy is also granted.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is currently evaluated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted. The evidence shows forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 60 degrees or more during his VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a video conference hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after scheduling the requested hearing.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and a need for additional VA examination.

The Board has denied all the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection, finding that May 10, 2010 is the correct date of receipt of his initial claim.

The Board has found that the Veteran's Parkinson's disease is service-connected due to herbicide exposure during his active duty at Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base. The lumbar and cervical spine claims are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's service treatment records, as well as private medical records. The claims will be remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was diagnosed during service and has been continuously symptomatic since then. The Board finds that the Veteran meets the criteria for service connection as his current disability resulted from an injury or disease incurred or aggravated during active military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to ensure that his claims are adjudicated on the basis of a complete record.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left foot and left shoulder disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by service, and arthritis of these areas may not be presumed to have occurred therein. The lumbar spine disability issue is being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches, heart disability, psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), cervical spine disability, thoracolumbar spine disability, left knee disability, and skin disability are found to be secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. The Veteran is granted service connection for these conditions on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar degenerative disease, radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities, combined at a 50 percent evaluation, substantially prevents him from securing or following any substantially gainful occupation.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current back condition, stomach issues including diverticulitis and hernias, are etiologically related to his service. The claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Veteran's DJD of the lumbosacral spine has been rated at 10 percent prior to February 10, 2005 and at 30 percent since then. The claim for a higher rating is denied.