Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the nature and etiology of his claimed lower lumbar sprain/strain disability, including back pain, muscle spasms, and limited mobility. The examiner must provide an opinion as to whether it is at least as likely as not that he suffers from either (1) a chronic lumbar strain/sprain disability attributable to the reported in-service injury or (2) residuals of the reported in-service lumbar injury.

The Veteran's multi-level degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was granted an initial rating in excess of 10 percent prior to July 8, 2013, and a rating in excess of 20 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and a right lower extremity neurological disorder are being remanded due to deficiencies in the VA examiner's opinion, including failure to address the continuity of symptoms since military service.

The Board has ordered additional development to address the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings for his back, left knee, and right knee disabilities. The case is being remanded to allow for further examination and opinion regarding these issues.

The Veteran's low back disability was manifested by forward flexion to 30 degrees or less between October 9, 2009 and July 7, 2013.,Prior to October 9, 2009, the Veteran did not have forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less. Since July 8, 2013, the Veteran's forward flexion has been greater than 30 degrees.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative intervertebral disc disease of the lumbar spine and cervical spine, as well as other conditions, have been considered. The claim for a compensable rating for residuals of a left elbow injury is granted, with an effective date to be determined based on further review. Service connection for varicose veins was denied previously. Compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for dental issues has also been addressed.

The Board has granted a 40 percent rating for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability since July 8, 2008. The effective date is not specified as it was assigned by the AOJ.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right hip and back disabilities are not service-connected, as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher disability evaluations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current scoliosis, eye disorder (blepharitis), and tinnitus are not service-connected. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service incurrence or aggravation for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and effective dates were denied. The claim for low back disorder was reopened, but the new evidence did not meet the criteria to grant service connection. Effective date claims for bilateral calcaneal spurs of the feet were also dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings were denied. The Board found that the criteria for increased ratings were not met at any point during the appeal period.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a VA examination to determine the current severity of his lumbar degenerative disc disease and whether lower extremity radiculopathy is due to this condition. Additional private treatment records or relevant VA treatment records must also be obtained.

The Veteran's service-connected back disability is rated at 40 percent, effective July 24, 2006. He was granted noncompensable ratings for neurogenic claudication of the left and right lower extremities prior to August 26, 2011, and subsequently assigned 40 percent ratings since that date.,The Veteran is currently rated at 40 percent for his service-connected back disability. He was granted noncompensable ratings for neurogenic claudication of the left and right lower extremities prior to August 26, 2011, and subsequently assigned 40 percent ratings since that date.,The Veteran is rated at 40 percent for his service-connected back disability. He was granted noncompensable ratings for neurogenic claudication of the left and right lower extremities prior to August 26, 2011, and subsequently assigned 40 percent ratings since that date.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.,The Veteran is seeking an initial compensable evaluation for his bilateral hearing loss. The VA will provide a new examination to assess the current severity of this condition.,The Veteran seeks service connection for right ankle disability, sleep apnea, GERD, sinus disability, pes planus (flatfoot), and right knee disability. A VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of these conditions.,The Veteran claims that his sleep apnea may be related to military service. The VA will provide a new examination to assess whether this condition was caused by or is the result of his military service.,The Veteran seeks service connection for GERD, which he believes may be related to in-service gastrointestinal issues. A VA examination will determine if there is a link between his current condition and his military service.,The Veteran claims that his sinus disability may be linked to military service. The VA will provide an examination to assess the etiology of this condition.,The Veteran seeks service connection for pes planus (flatfoot), which he believes was aggravated by military service. A VA examination is needed to determine if there is a link between his current condition and his military service.,The Veteran claims that his right knee disability may be related to military service. The VA will provide an examination to assess the etiology of this condition.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was granted a 20% rating effective April 1, 2013. Effective January 7, 2012, service connection for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities was established.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for neck and back disabilities, as well as his claim to reopen a previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for hypertension on a secondary basis.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to ensure proper development of the Veteran's claims, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records, as well as scheduling new VA examinations for his lumbar spine, right hip, and eczema disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, scheduling a VA examination, and considering whether service connection can be granted for the Veteran's low back disability.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for right and left elbow disorders, back condition, right leg shin splints, and left leg shin splints were denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities or in-service events related to these conditions.