Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his depression and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, have rendered him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational background.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a shell fragment wound to the neck, which is considered secondary to the Veteran's low back condition and cervical spine condition. The remaining issues on appeal are deferred pending further development.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and his lumbar spine disability is rated as 10 percent prior to December 20, 2013, and 20 percent thereafter. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for either condition.,The Veteran's cervical spine disability has been evaluated under Diagnostic Code 5243 (General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine) with no associated intervertebral disc syndrome, resulting in a maximum 10 percent evaluation. The lumbar spine disability is rated as 10 percent prior to December 20, 2013, and 20 percent thereafter under Diagnostic Code 5243 (General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine) with no associated intervertebral disc syndrome.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is not service-connected as it did not manifest within one year of his separation from service and there is no evidence linking it to an in-service injury. The left knee/leg disability issue was also addressed, but since there is no evidence of a current condition, this claim is also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and development to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed back disorder and knee conditions, as well as their impact on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and a back disability, but denied reopening of his claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to provide the Veteran with a VA examination.

The Board has decided the appeal is remanded due to inadequate medical opinions and because both issues are inextricably intertwined.

The Board found no evidence of tinnitus or a low back disorder having onset during active service and denied the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining inpatient records from NAS Fallon and private treatment records. The appellant's service connection claim will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied due to his Reserve service, and the Board has ordered additional records to be obtained. The Veteran also needs VA examinations for his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic chest pains and right knee disability, as well as his requests for increased initial ratings. The Veteran was granted a compensable rating (20%) for his right knee disability under Diagnostic Code 5258.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional development and is not yet able to determine if service connection should be granted or denied for the claimed conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for depressive disorder, thoracolumbar spine disorder, right shoulder disorder, and right wrist disorder. The appeals on cervical spine, left shoulder, wrist, hand, hip, knee, ankle, and foot disorders have been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's bilateral sacroiliac joint dysfunction is found to be the result of his service-connected iliotibial band syndrome, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The low back disability (claimed as 'back pain') is not addressed in detail due to a separate issue being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of the Veteran's service connection claims, including a new VA examination to address the relationship between his diagnosed neck and back disabilities and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability did not have its onset during service and is not otherwise related to active military service.

The Board denied service connection for low back spasms as secondary to service-connected patellofemoral pain syndrome of the knees, finding that there was no evidence linking the current condition to active military service or to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's back brace for his service-connected low back disability results in wear and tear to his clothing, warranting a clothing allowance for 2014. However, the knee braces are not prescribed for any service-connected disability, nor is there evidence of skin conditions due to service-connected disabilities that would qualify for a clothing allowance.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has been rated at 10 percent since July 29, 2009. The Board finds that the current rating of 10 percent is appropriate given the evidence showing flexion to 70 degrees and a combined range of motion not greater than 180 degrees.