Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that the evidence received since the January 1983 rating decision is not new and material, thus denying the reopening of the claim for service connection for a back disorder.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for degenerative disc disease, lumbar spine. The Board found that the Veteran's current low back disability is related to his in-service injury and accepted his account of a combat-related back injury.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of her lumbar spine disability and provide etiology opinions regarding both direct and secondary service connection for her cervical spine disability.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar strain and granted service connection based on direct evidence of a link between his current lumbar spine disorders and service. The Veteran sustained back injuries in service, including lifting heavy objects and falling off a trailer, which led to diagnosed conditions such as degenerative disc disease, arthritis, and spondylolisthesis.

The Board finds that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar and thoracic spine is more likely than not related to his service-connected left knee disability, warranting service connection on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's DDD with IVDS of the lumbar spine resulted in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees, but did not result in ankylosis or incapacitating episodes. The radiculopathy of both lower extremities has been moderate.

The claims of service connection for a low back disability, cervical spine disability, left hip bursitis, right hip bursitis, right hand carpal tunnel syndrome, and an acquired psychiatric disorder have all been denied. The Veteran's statements regarding the onset of his hip disabilities are inconsistent with his in-service medical history.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings are being remanded to allow for additional development of the record, including obtaining VA treatment records and affording the Veteran's representative an opportunity to review the case.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for right hallux valgus correction, left foot disorder, and lumbar spine disorder. The decision also addressed a claim under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for additional right foot disability as the result of VA osteotomy surgery in April 2003 and as the result of VA removal of hardware surgery in March 2004.

The Veteran's left foot disability, including tarsal tunnel syndrome and surgical scars, resulted in a total loss of use to the extent that no effective function remains other than what would be equally well served by an amputation stump with prosthesis. The Veteran is therefore entitled to a 40% rating for her left foot disability and special monthly compensation for loss of use of the left foot since February 19, 2014.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability, back disability, bilateral hand disability, and stomach condition require additional development. Specifically, VA treatment records need to be obtained, and an examination is necessary for the right knee and back disabilities.

The Veteran's lower back disability, diagnosed as Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) Residuals and Spondylolisthesis with Posterior Disc Bulge L5-S1, is rated at 20 percent. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating.,The Veteran was granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and a cervical spine disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication, including obtaining VA treatment records since April 2008 and scheduling a compensation and pension examination to address the Veteran's lumbar spine disability claim. The issues of service connection for right leg disability and left foot drop are also inextricably intertwined with the back claim and must be remanded as well.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his service treatment records, including those from his Army Reserve unit. The issues of entitlement to an increased rating for a low back disability and service connection for a left knee disability are both on hold until this information can be obtained.

The Board has ordered a remand for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and scheduling an examination. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability is currently pending.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's current low back disability to his active duty service, and denied the claim.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the claims for service connection can be decided.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to issues related to service connection, including PTSD and depression.

The Board has determined that the evidence currently of record is sufficient to substantiate the Veteran's claim for entitlement to service connection for Reiter's syndrome, finding it had its onset during his active service.

The Veteran's COPD, previously characterized as bronchitis, is rated at 10 percent prior to June 6, 2012 and increased to 30 percent thereafter. The sinusitis with allergic rhinitis is rated at 10 percent. The radiculopathy of the right lower extremity due to degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the lumbar spine is rated at 10 percent prior to June 6, 2012 and increased to 20 percent thereafter.