Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and low back strain with mild spondylosis at the level of the 1st and 2nd lumbar vertebrae were both denied as his conditions did not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional development and clarification of opinions regarding the Veteran's right hip and thoracolumbar spine disabilities, which are claimed as secondary to his service-connected right hamstring disability.

The Veteran's GERD was rated at 10 percent prior to December 3, 2010 and increased to 30 percent effective from that date. The criteria for a higher rating are not met.,For lumbosacral strain, the Veteran received a 10 percent rating prior to December 3, 2010 and a 20 percent rating effective from that date. The criteria for a higher rating are not met.,The Veteran's postoperative residuals of a stress fracture of the right ankle were rated at 20 percent since July 1, 2007. The criteria for a higher rating are not met.

The Board has granted an effective date of April 29, 2002 for the award of service connection for PTSD with MDD. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been withdrawn.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar fusion and spondylosis, claimed as back pain, was granted. Service connection was denied for numbness and tingling of the bilateral upper and lower extremities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed shoulder, hip and low back disorders are not related to service. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or disease for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss were denied. The back disability was rated at 20 percent, the right foot disability at 10 percent, and tinnitus received its maximum schedular rating of 10 percent.

The Veteran is seeking an increased rating for his service-connected lumbosacral strain. The case has been REMANDED due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of additional evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is dismissed. The claim of service connection for low testosterone, claimed as a hormonal imbalance, was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to issues related to service connection for various conditions, including a low back disorder. The Veteran's claims are currently under review.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination, including obtaining records from VA facilities and arranging for an addendum opinion by a VA examiner.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for the RO to consider evidence submitted since the most recent Supplemental Statement of the Case and obtain VA treatment records, Social Security Administration records, and the May 2010 rating decision. The matter will be readjudicated with consideration of all pertinent evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and back condition are not related to service. Therefore, these claims for service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a spine examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected lumbar strain.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbosacral DDD is as likely as not traceable to his active duty service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate opinion from the VA examiner and need for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his service and grants service connection for this condition. The claim regarding a back disability remains pending as further development is needed.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 40 percent, the maximum available rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The residuals of his left fibula fracture are not service-connected and do not warrant a separate evaluation. The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as his disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to assess whether the Veteran's current low back disability is due to service or if it was aggravated by service. The appeal will be returned to the AOJ after completion of this examination.

The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 60 percent, but the evidence does not show ankylosis or incapacitating episodes that would warrant a higher rating.