Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's right tibial neuropathy consistent with mild tarsal tunnel syndrome is found to be related to service, and his T12 compression fracture with thoracic spine degenerative disc disease warrants a 40 percent evaluation as of March 5, 2012.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the hearing officer's absence and the Veteran requested a new hearing at the RO.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, finding that there is no clear and unmistakable evidence of pre-existing spina bifida prior to service and that the VA examiner did not adequately address all theories of entitlement raised in this case.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a low back disorder that is attributable to military service or caused by his service-connected right leg shortening.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss and other orthopedic conditions, are found to preclude him from obtaining or maintaining gainful employment. The Board grants a TDIU based on the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to concerns about the severity of the service-connected back disability and radiculopathy, as well as the potential relationship between a neck disability and an in-service injury.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease is currently rated at 10 percent prior to September 20, 2012 and denied for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for chronic lumbar strain is being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new VA examination.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a back disorder, which he claims was incurred during his military service. The Board has remanded the case to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar strain is currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling, and the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's VA Form 9 was timely filed, and thus service connection for a back disability is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine with degenerative disc disease has not resulted in limitation of flexion to 30 degrees or less, nor ankylosis of any portion of the spine. There have been no incapacitating episodes.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 20% based on its impact on his ability to perform daily activities and work, with no additional rating for neurological involvement in the left lower extremity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and heart disorders are service-connected as they were incurred during his active duty service.

The Board found that the Veteran's back disability did not have its clinical onset during service and is not otherwise related to active service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional development related to her FMLA leave request.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease at L4-5 and L5-S1 was rated as 10 percent disabling prior to September 18, 2008.

The Veteran's L4-S1 fusion surgery required six months of convalescence, but further doctor-mandated convalescence was not demonstrated and the surgery did not result in severe postoperative residuals or immobilization. The criteria for a temporary total disability rating beyond February 29, 2008 based on need for convalescence following surgical treatment were not met.

The Board found that the Veteran's current lumbar spine and right shoulder disorders did not have their onset during any period of active duty service, and there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD) were also denied.