Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent, and his allergic rhinitis and sinusitis are currently rated as noncompensable. The Board finds no basis for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was denied. The current disability rating is 40 percent, effective December 14, 2012.

The Veteran's degenerative disk disease with degenerative arthritis of the lower lumbar spine was rated at 20 percent prior to March 1, 2003. The claim for a higher initial rating is granted.

The Veteran's claims for left knee, back, and skin disabilities were reopened due to the submission of new evidence. Service connection is granted for left knee osteoarthritis status post total knee replacement.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's current lumbar, cervical, hip and knee disabilities and his military service. The appellant did not serve on active duty for 90 days or more, thus making presumptive service connection inapplicable.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability was denied. The Board found that the current 40 percent rating adequately reflects the severity of his condition, and thus did not grant an increased rating.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine has been granted, with a current rating of 20 percent. The Board found that he did not meet criteria for an increased rating based on forward flexion being less than 30 degrees or having unfavorable ankylosis.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary in this case, including obtaining medical records and conducting VA examinations to address the appellant's claims for service connection for various disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the lumbar spine disability did not meet or approximate criteria for a higher rating prior to July 31, 2014, but did meet criteria for a 20 percent rating beginning July 31, 2014. Ratings in excess of those assigned were not warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to verify his National Guard service and obtain updated VA treatment records.

The Board has granted a 20 percent disability rating for the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, effective September 1, 2009. The Veteran previously had a 10 percent rating from June 29, 2006.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder. The August 2009 rating decision denying service connection is considered final, and no additional evidence was submitted within one year of this decision.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete records and need for further examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbar degenerative disc disease with radiculopathy is causally related to his active service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his service-connected PTSD, right knee degenerative joint disease with scar, left knee injury with instability and scar, and left knee degenerative joint disease status post surgical repair have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been granted, but the increased evaluations requested are denied. The Veteran is not entitled to TDIU prior to May 9, 2014.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability, left knee disability, skin cancer due to sun exposure, and erectile dysfunction (ED), all secondary to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing VA medical records and requests for additional evidence. The Veteran's claims for service connection are pending.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and no jurisdiction remains for the Board to consider the merits of the claims.