Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's lumbar DDD was granted a 40% evaluation effective October 14, 2008. He also received a separate 10% rating for left leg radiculopathy effective July 2, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA spine examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current cervical, thoracic, and lumbar disability. The examiner should provide an opinion as to whether it is more likely than not that his back disability had its clinical onset during service or if related to in-service disease, event, or injury.

The Veteran's low back strain has not resulted in unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome, and thus does not warrant a rating higher than the current 40 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination to assess his employability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for his service-connected lumbar strain has been denied as the disability does not meet the criteria for any higher rating under VA's General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.

The Board denied service connection for left knee disorder and lumbar disc disease as secondary to service-connected right knee disability in June 2007, finding that the preponderance of evidence did not support a nexus between these conditions and the service-connected right knee disability.,In July 2012, the RO reopened both claims but denied them on the merits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disability, including an obsessive compulsive disorder, is related to his active service and grants service connection for this condition. The issue of service connection for a back disability remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae, hearing loss, and headaches have been denied as new and material evidence has not been submitted.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is reopened based on the submission of new and material evidence. The remaining issues remain denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, a low back disorder, bilateral tinea pedis, and tinea cruris have no in-service disease or injury to which they may be related.

The Veteran's low back disability, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, is found to be etiologically related to his military service.

The Veteran's degenerative changes of the lumbar spine are currently rated at 40 percent, and his incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerves of both lower extremities are each rated at 20 percent. Effective April 15, 2008, a 50 percent rating for the lumbar spine is granted.

The Veteran's low back strain is currently rated at 20 percent, the maximum rating available under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The VA examiner found that forward flexion was to 50 degrees or better without associated neurological symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a higher rate of SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of DDD of the lumbar spine and coccydynia, finding that the earliest date of claim was September 27, 2007.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc disease is related to service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and left leg disability are not related to his active military service, including parachute jumps. The claims for service connection are therefore denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's statements regarding her in-service injury were not credible and concluded that a current lumbar spine disability is not due to events in active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbosacral disability is being remanded due to the need for clarification regarding whether his condition preexisted service and if so, whether it was aggravated by service. Additionally, VA treatment records dated since July 2008 are needed.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and the need for further development of the claims.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for various disabilities, including sarcoidosis, chronic bronchitis, a chronic stomach condition, and a low back condition. The appeal will be remanded to obtain additional evidence and determine if the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for further development, including VA examinations.