Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not file a claim for service connection for PTSD prior to August 17, 2009. Therefore, an effective date earlier than August 17, 2009, for the grant of service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his spondylosis of the lumbar spine and patellofemoral pain syndrome, left knee were denied by the Board. The Veteran was previously granted a 20% rating for spondylosis of the lumbar spine effective February 24, 2009.

The Board has granted increased ratings for the Veteran's service-connected right knee instability, left knee instability and limitation of flexion, and low back strain with muscle spasm and occasional limitation of motion.

The Board has reopened several service connection claims and granted them, with some issues receiving staged ratings. The effective date for the award of PTSD is set at April 9, 2007.

The Board found that there is no evidence of a chronic lumbar spine disability or left ankle disability in service, and the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service. Therefore, the claims for service connection were denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's current mid-back contusion residuals and degeneration of the lumbar spine are not causally or etiologically related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verifying the appellant's National Guard service and obtaining relevant records from NPRC. The AOJ should also attempt to obtain any worker's compensation claim information and employment status details.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current low back disorder is at least as likely as not related to his active service, including an in-service injury from heavy lifting. Service connection for this disability is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and associated radiculopathy, finding that the Veteran's right knee condition aggravated his low back disability. The claim for bilateral hip disability as secondary to service-connected knee disabilities is denied due to lack of evidence of a current chronic hip disability.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus has been rated at 40 percent since June 5, 2014. The rating is based on the requirement of insulin and a restricted diet.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records, including from Mather VA Medical Center. A new VA examination is also required.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar strain with thoracic spine degeneration and sciatica associated with the condition were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 20 percent for these conditions between March 14, 2011 and August 11, 2014.

The Veteran is not entitled to an increased rate of special monthly compensation based on the need for a higher level of aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's low back and bilateral eye disorders have been granted service connection, with the right knee disorder being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with traumatic arthritic changes, disc space narrowing, kyphosis, and lumbar canal stenosis was rated at 20% prior to July 2, 2014. Since then, he has been rated at 40%. The increased rating is effective July 2, 2014.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, low back disability, and Meniere's disease due to the Veteran's credible assertions of in-service injury and positive medical opinions supporting a link between his current conditions and service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed in order to make a determination on the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle and back disorders.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a disability manifested by breathing difficulty, bilateral shoulder disabilities, and an upper back disability has been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar strain and patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee have been granted increased disability ratings, while his service connection claim for cluster headaches remains pending.

The Board has granted an effective date of March 13, 2014 for the assignment of a 30 percent evaluation for service-connected COPD. The Veteran's left ankle condition, low back injury, and sleep apnea are all found to be related to his military service.