Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has not manifested with ankylosis or range of motion on forward flexion of less than 30 degrees. She was granted a 20 percent rating for post-operative residuals of L5-S1 decompression and fusion, mechanical low back pain.,Prior to November 18, 2009, the Veteran's lumbar radiculopathy of the right lower extremity more nearly approximated moderate incomplete paralysis. She was granted a 20 percent rating for this condition starting from August 16, 2012.,From November 18, 2009 to August 15, 2012, she was granted a 20 percent rating for lumbar radiculopathy of the left lower extremity. She was also granted TDIU effective June 1, 2009.,The Veteran's unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was found as of February 2, 2009.

The Veteran's death was not due to willful misconduct, and at the time of his death he had service-connected disabilities but did not meet the criteria for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ankle and right knee disabilities are at least as likely as not caused by her service-connected low back disability, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's initial ratings for his service-connected disabilities have been granted and are in effect since the date of claim. The Board is remanding to obtain updated medical evidence regarding the current severity of these conditions.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for lumbar spondylolysis and strain with dextroscoliosis, effective from March 16, 2011. Prior to this date, the Veteran was not given any compensable rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability did not manifest during or as a result of active military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain was manifested by limitation of forward flexion to 80 degrees, but not less than 30 degrees. A rating of 20 percent is granted for the period from May 27, 2007, to September 19, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining STRs from Langley AFB and the Philippines. The claims for higher initial ratings are inextricably intertwined with the earlier effective date claim.

The Veteran's initial claim for higher evaluations of his service-connected mechanical low back pain was denied. The appeal is based on the evaluation from October 18, 1997 onwards.

The Board granted service connection for low back disability and assigned a 20% rating. Separate ratings of 10% were assigned for neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is not service connected as secondary to his service-connected lumbar fusion.,Service connection for postoperative suprapubic hernia was granted with an effective date of October 23, 1987.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA examination opinions and reviewing pending x-rays. The Veteran's claims for service connection for right leg and low back disorders will be reconsidered.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical opinions and the possible existence of outstanding VA treatment records.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for right lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy, finding that it is caused by his service-connected lumbosacral strain.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional service treatment records and to schedule him for appropriate examinations. The claims will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for PTSD and for service connection for various undiagnosed illness-related conditions. The issues of new and material evidence were also addressed, but no new or additional evidence was provided to reopen the low back disorder claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in permanent and total disability that is due to the loss or loss of use of one or both lower extremities so as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes or a wheelchair. The Board grants entitlement to a certificate of eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing.

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

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, as well as a new VA examination to assess the Veteran's service-connected chronic lumbar strain.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine is rated at 40 percent, effective April 16, 2007. The appeal for higher ratings on sciatica and left sciatic nerve involvement associated with this condition has been denied.