Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's chronic strain of the lumbosacral spine with degenerative changes of the lumbar vertebrae is rated at 10 percent, and his left knee and right knee disabilities are each rated at 10 percent. The rating for the lumbosacral spine remains unchanged from the previous decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a VA Social and Industrial Survey to determine the combined effect of her service-connected disabilities on her ability to perform sedentary type of work.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of any claimed conditions, and the evidence does not support service connection for any of her claims.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the 10% disability rating for scars of the forehead and chin was denied. The claims for increased ratings for various disabilities, including PTSD with depression, were also denied.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the increased rating of lumbosacral spine spondylolisthesis is being remanded due to the need to obtain VA treatment records from prior to 2000.

The Veteran's lumbar strain and left hip arthritis status post surgery are not rated higher than the current 20 percent and 10 percent evaluations, respectively.

The Veteran's low back strain, right knee chondromalacia, and post operative residuals of a left knee injury were all evaluated as 10 percent disabling prior to September 21, 2012.,The Veteran failed to report for VA examinations scheduled in relation to his claims on September 21, 2014.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, which he claims was incurred during his period of active duty. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to ensure proper development and consideration of the claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and possible outstanding treatment records. The Veteran's low back disability may be related to service, but his left knee disability requires a new VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for updated treatment records and an updated VA examination to reflect current symptomatology.

The Veteran's bilateral osteoarthritis of the knees is found to be etiologically related to active service. The Board finds that new VA examinations are necessary to determine if his low back strain, cervical and neck strain, and bilateral ankle strains are etiologically related to active service or secondary to his now service-connected bilateral osteoarthritis of the knees.

The Veteran's low back disability and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity have been granted service connection with a rating of 40 percent, effective August 11, 2010. Service connection for left foot drop has not been established.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's vertigo is not related to her service-connected disabilities and has granted a TDIU based on her multiple service-connected conditions preventing her from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected dextroscoliosis of the thoracic spine is currently evaluated at 20 percent, and the evidence does not support a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's menstrual disability and low back disability are found to be related to her active duty service. The left knee disability is rated at 10%.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as the need for additional VA treatment records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and a lumbar spine disability, finding no evidence of chronicity or continuity of symptomatology. The claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and Achilles tendonitis is also denied.

The Board has determined that there is no competent medical evidence of current diagnoses for a low back disability, left hip disability, or bilateral knee disability. Therefore, the claims for service connection are denied.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance is granted because his service-connected lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease requires the use of a back brace, which causes wear and tear on his clothing.

The Veteran was granted service connection for a fatigue disability due to her major depressive disorder with PTSD, which is considered a direct service connection.,Service connection was also granted for actinic keratosis, but the issue of whether it is related to service remains pending.