Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The criteria for an increased rating under the applicable diagnostic codes were not met.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including left bunion surgery residuals, a broken left ankle, low back disorder, bilateral knee disorder, female/gynecological condition (to include residuals of a tubal ligation; and a hysterectomy and/or residuals thereof), seizure disorder, and hypertension.

The Board found that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claim of a low back disorder being incurred or aggravated by his military service, and thus denied the claim.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and status post cervical fusion residuals were denied as there was no evidence to support a higher rating based on the current manifestations.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine with lumbar spondylosis is found to be related to his active service.,The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine is found to be related to his active service.,The Veteran's occipital neuralgia manifested by headaches, as secondary to degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, is found to be related to his active service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain missing service treatment records and provide a comprehensive VA examination.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities that are secondary to his service-connected bilateral knee conditions. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated treatment records, schedule the Veteran for VA examinations, and determine the current severity of his bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and further development is needed before a final decision can be made on the Veteran's claim for service connection of his back disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding the relationship between his left knee disorder and his right and lumbar spine disorders.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for the service-connected DDD of the lumbar spine and a separate 10 percent evaluation for left lower extremity radiculopathy, effective from March 6, 2009.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic sinusitis was denied. The issue of entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease and spondyloarthritis of the lumbar spine remains pending.

The Board has granted an effective date of March 21, 2000 for the assignment of a separate 10 percent rating for a tender surgical scar on the mid line of the back associated with degenerative changes and disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine with left hip pain.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy was not incurred or aggravated by service, and the Board found no evidence of a nexus to herbicide exposure. The back disorder claim is inextricably intertwined with the peripheral neuropathy claim.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is associated with neurological impairment in both lower extremities, which more nearly approximates mild incomplete paralysis. Therefore, separate 10% evaluations are granted for each leg.

The Veteran's initial ratings for bronchitis and lumbosacral strain were granted, with the Bronchitis receiving a rating of 10 percent effective January 13, 2009. The Veteran was also awarded TDIU from May 9, 2002 to April 5, 2005.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to outstanding records and potential errors in previous decisions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The claim for service connection for right hip disorder and low back disorder was referred to the RO.

The Board found that the Veteran's current low back disorder, including degenerative disc disease L5-S1 and herniated disc at L4-5, was aggravated by his service-connected instability of the right knee.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's low back disability and acquired psychiatric disorder, as well as whether these conditions are service-connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disorder, including ankylosing spondylitis and degenerative disc disease, is related to his active military service. The claim for service connection is granted.