Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a low back disorder, finding that his current condition is not due to any injury or event during military service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his lumbosacral strain was denied, and the Board found that he is not entitled to a higher rating based on the current evidence. The claim for TDIU prior to May 25, 2010, was also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, right knee disability, and left knee disability, combine to form a 60 percent disability rating. The Board finds that the Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and determined that the Veteran's left shoulder disorder warrants a 30 percent evaluation, effective June 22, 2006.

The Board denied service connection for a right finger disability and a back disability. The Veteran's right finger disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, as it pre-existed service. For the back disability, the evidence does not show an increase in severity during service, and there is no medical opinion linking the current condition to service.

The Board found that there is no credible evidence of a low back injury or continuing low back problems during or since service, and the most persuasive medical opinion evidence does not support a connection between the Veteran's current lumbar spine disability and his service. As such, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cardiac disability, including atrial fibrillation due to unpronounced mitral valve insufficiency, and a low back disability. The case will be returned to the RO/AMC for further action.

The Veteran's appeal is about his entitlement to a TDIU based on his service-connected DDD and left leg sciatica. The Board has ordered additional development, including obtaining medical records from the SSA and Dr. H., as well as updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his medical records.

The Veteran's low back disorder is not service-connected and there is no evidence of arthritis or other chronic disease in the initial post-service year. The current degenerative joint and disc disease is not related to the service-connected pes planus with hammertoes, Morton's metatarsalgia, and right hallux rigidus.,The Veteran does not have a currently diagnosed bilateral knee disorder that is attributable to or related to service or etiologically related to the service-connected pes planus with hammertoes, Morton's metatarsalgia, and right hallux rigidus. The Veteran also does not have bilateral hearing loss within VA's definition.,The Veteran's refractive error of the eye was not subject to inservice superimposed disease or injury.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his cervical spine disability was granted, with a current rating of 20 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection were granted. The claim for right leg pain was also granted.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected low back disability was denied. The RO assigned a 40 percent rating effective March 30, 2011.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claims can be fully adjudicated, including obtaining VA treatment records and possibly reconsidering the TDIU and Dependents Educational Assistance benefits.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was initially rated as 10 percent disabling prior to October 11, 2010. Since then, the disability has been rated at 20 percent. The Board found that an increased rating is not warranted for any period of time.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including VA examinations to assess the severity of his lumbar spine strain and any associated neurological symptoms. The case will be readjudicated based on this additional evidence.

The Board has determined that a rating of 40 percent is warranted for the Veteran's service-connected chronic lumbosacral strain and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine since September 16, 2010. This decision is based on the evidence showing forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less.

The Board has found that the Veteran's lumbar disc disease is service-connected as it is aggravated by his service-connected low back disability. The depression/adjustment disorder claim was also granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluation and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development. The claim for TDIU is also being remanded.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was not shown to warrant a rating higher than 10 percent from January 1, 2005, to November 25, 2010.