Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 40 percent from April 1, 2008 through July 7, 2008 and on and after November 1, 2008. The rating is based on the orthopedic manifestations of pain and decreased limitation of motion.

The Board has ordered additional development due to outstanding medical issues, including the need for x-rays of the Veteran's thoracic spine. The case will be remanded for further examination and review.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to service and have denied his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's combined rating for his service-connected disabilities is 40 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a TDIU based on schedular ratings. The VA examiners have indicated that while the Veteran has significant pain and limitations in movement due to his service-connected conditions, he can still perform sedentary employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back and neck disabilities are not related to his military service, and thus denied both claims.

The Veteran's service-connected low back disability was found to not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent from March 31, 2006 to September 9, 2010, and in excess of 40 percent from September 9, 2010.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and numbness of the lower extremities, finding that there is at least an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding these issues. The Board concludes that service connection is warranted based on the medical opinions provided.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current degenerative changes of the lumbar spine are proximately due to or the result of his service-connected left knee disability, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination and the provision of any relevant medical records.

The Veteran's request for a hearing has been noted, and the appeal is being remanded to schedule a videoconference Board hearing in connection with his claim.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical strain with joint narrowing and lumbar strain were evaluated based on their current manifestations, resulting in a 10 percent disability rating. The issues of TDIU and effective dates for the grant of service connection remain pending.

The Board denied service connection for low back strain, sinusitis (secondary to bronchial asthma), obesity (secondary to bronchial asthma), and flat feet/cysts on feet (secondary to bronchial asthma).

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical spine and right knee disabilities were denied as the evidence did not show that his conditions warranted a rating higher than 10 percent.

The Veteran's pelvic and lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent under the schedular criteria, but a separate rating for left lower extremity neurological symptoms is warranted.

The Board found no evidence of a direct service connection for the low back disability and concluded that it is not related to the Veteran's service-connected left foot pes planus. The claim was denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by her representative before the Board could issue a decision.

The Board found that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and may not be presumed to have been so incurred or aggravated. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further appellate review due to a need for an adequate VA examination regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ankle, knee, hip, and lumbar spine disabilities are not related to his service-connected fracture of the left lower fibula or flat foot. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board granted a 60 percent rating for the service-connected degenerative osteoarthritis of the lumbosacral spine and chronic sacroiliac strain, effective from the date of the decision.