Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar strain was manifested by pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, fatigue, tenderness, and muscle spasms prior to November 24, 2009. For the period beginning November 24, 2009, her symptoms included pain, flare-ups precipitated by physical activity, tenderness, muscle spasms, and a bulging disc; forward flexion was limited to 55 degrees on repetitive use.,The Veteran's service-connected lumbar strain resulted in symptoms that did not meet the criteria for assignment of a rating in excess of 20 percent. At the November 2009 VA examination, her forward flexion was to 60 degrees and slightly limited to 55 degrees following repetitive use; in February 2013, her forward flexion was to 85 degrees and not limited following repetitive use.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back strain is related to service, and as such, service connection for this condition is granted. However, further examination is needed to determine if degenerative changes in the lumbosacral spine are also related to service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a low back disorder has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is entitled to a TDIU effective April 5, 2014, based on his service-connected disabilities. The combined rating of these conditions meets the criteria for a TDIU as of July 31, 2008.

The Veteran's low back disability has likely been manifested by forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine limited to between 30 and 60 degrees, with mild abnormal kyphosis. The Board finds that a higher rating of 20 percent is warranted from September 1, 2005.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for type II diabetes mellitus with bilateral cataracts is denied. The Board finds that the Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus has been treated with insulin and/or oral hypoglycemic agents and a restricted diet, corresponding to a 20 percent rating pursuant to DC 7913. Bilateral cataracts have resulted in at worst 20/40 vision in both eyes, corresponding to a noncompensable rating pursuant to DC 6066.

The Board found no evidence of a diagnosed low back disability, thus denying the claim for service connection for this condition. The Veteran's bilateral ankle disorder was not diagnosed during the appeal period and therefore is not addressed herein.

The Veteran's lumbar strain and radiculopathy of the lower extremities have been rated appropriately based on their current severity.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical opinions and VA examinations regarding his low back disorder, psychiatric disorder, and service-connected residuals of a left patella and femur fracture with muscle herniation.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for higher disability ratings for left lower extremity superficial varicose veins with venous insufficiency and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with lumbar fusion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities, as the most recent examinations are outdated and additional development is needed. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical opinions regarding the Veteran's low back disorder and gynecomastia and its residuals.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the higher initial rating and subsequent staged ratings for left leg radiculopathy at L4-5 before a decision was made.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, right ankle sprain, left ankle sprain and/or fracture, low back pain, tinnitus, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), and diverticulitis. The reasons provided were that there was no evidence to support these claims based on the available records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a medical opinion regarding the presence of qualifying chronic disabilities resulting from undiagnosed illness or medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illnesses.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and the provision of a complete medical history. The issues include service connection claims for cardiovascular disability, sinusitis, back disability, and tinea versicolor.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining private medical records and providing an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of his hip and spine disabilities.

The Veteran's low back disorder is found to be related to his military service, and he is granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a back disability or bilateral eye disability that was caused by his service, nor can it be attributed to any service-connected condition.