Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected low back pain has been manifested by chronic, persistent low back pain with radiculopathic symptoms radiating down her right lower extremity and foot. The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine is affected by degenerative changes as evidenced by imaging studies, with limitation of forward flexion to greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees, a combined range of motion of greater than 120 degrees but not greater than 235 degrees on repetitive motion testing (factoring in functional loss due to pain), and muscle spasm that does not alter her gait. There is no neurological impairment or incapacitating episodes associated with the radiculopathic component of her low back disability. The criteria for a higher evaluation have not been met.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claims.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative joint and disc disease of the lumbar spine, cervical spine, right knee, and left knee based on continuity of symptomatology during active duty.

The VA determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for tinnitus was dismissed as a freestanding claim, not related to the reopening of his service connection claim.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is necessary to determine the etiology of the Veteran's current back, right ankle, and skin conditions, as well as her gynecological conditions. The claims are being remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's low back strain, right knee DJD, and left knee DJD have been granted service connection effective since November 6, 2007.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability is rated as noncompensable. The varicose veins of her bilateral legs are rated as 10 percent since April 19, 2012.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disorder. The decision is pending on whether there is a bilateral leg disorder that can be linked to his back disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated by service, nor can they be presumed to have been so incurred. The preponderance of evidence is against finding a relationship between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed as he withdrew his claim before the Board could make a decision.

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

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he requested to withdraw his appeal for the issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 40 percent for his service-connected lumbar spine disorder.

The Veteran's low back and left knee disabilities are not service-connected.,His adjustment disorder with depressed mood is currently rated as 30 percent disabling, but no higher rating is warranted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left hip, right hip, and low back disabilities have been denied. The VA has determined that the current disability ratings do not meet or approximate the criteria for higher ratings under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and a rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated as 20 percent disabling.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the service-connected traumatic arthritis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation prior to March 4, 2009.

The Veteran's low back disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and is not related to service. The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of continuity of symptoms since active duty.