Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board granted a 20 percent disability rating for the Veteran's lumbar intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis changes, effective November 6, 2012.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability does not meet or approximate criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent, as his forward flexion did not reach 30 degrees and there was no evidence of intervertebral disc syndrome causing incapacitating episodes. The current 20 percent evaluation is therefore maintained.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU was denied as her service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular criteria, and an extra-schedular rating is also not warranted.

The Board has vacated its decision on the claims to reopen service connection for various knee and spine disabilities, as well as chronic venous insufficiency of the lower extremities. The new evidence presented since previous decisions relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate these claims.,The Veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded due to the need for further development on the diabetes mellitus claim.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his lumbar spine disability prior to March 5, 2009 was denied as the evidence did not show that he had forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees or the combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 120 degrees but not greater than 235 degrees, or muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness not resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour.,The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his lumbar spine disability since March 5, 2009 was denied as the evidence did not show that he had unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine or incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least six weeks.

The Veteran's case is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing. The issues of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen his claim for service connection for residuals of coccidioidomycosis, entitlement to an increased rating for lumbosacral strain, and entitlement to an increased rating for prolapsed intestinal cord status postoperative hemorrhoidectomy are pending.

The Veteran's lumbar herniated disc and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity have been granted increased ratings, with the radiculopathy receiving a higher rating as of June 27, 2012.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing an addendum report from the VA spine examiner.

The Veteran's claims for neck, back, and bilateral knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining VA medical records and providing an examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back, left shoulder, and left knee disabilities are likely related to his military service. The evidence supports a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the appellant's ACDUTRA service does not meet the criteria for attaining Veteran status, and therefore cannot establish service connection for any of the claimed disabilities. The Board also found no competent or credible evidence linking any of these conditions to the appellant's military service.

The Veteran's diagnosed low back disorder, specifically myofascial lumbar syndrome, was incurred during service. The Board finds that the Veteran also incurred bilateral shoulder disorders (left and right) during service.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for a back disability, residuals of head injury (including headaches and cervical spine disability), bilateral ankle disability, left eye disability, and cervical spine disability have been reopened. The Board finds that new and material evidence has been received to reopen these claims.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current back disability is related to service, including his in-service duties of maneuvering 4,000-pound torpedoes. The claim will be readjudicated after this additional development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a Social and Industrial Survey to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed low back, left ankle, right ankle, left hip, and right hip disabilities are not service-connected as they did not have their onset during service or are not related to disease, injury, or event of service origin or to a service-connected disability.

The Board has granted an initial rating of 10 percent for the Veteran's service-connected left upper lumbar back strain, effective November 21, 2003.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated as 10 percent disabling, and his bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy is separately rated at 10 percent each. The Board finds no basis for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar strain has been rated at 10 percent since June 2007. The Board found that the condition did not meet criteria for a higher rating prior to July 20, 2012 and from July 20, 2012 to November 13, 2012, it met criteria for a 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current left knee and back disorders, as well as an evaluation of his service-connected collapsed arch of the left foot. The earlier effective date issue related to TDIU will also be addressed.