Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a VA examination to assess the severity of her service-connected lumbar spine disability. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claim.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, but denied the claims for upper and lower back disabilities as well as the rash on hands and feet.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral ankle condition and a back condition, finding that the probative weight of the evidence does not demonstrate a current diagnosis or a link to service.

The Veteran's lumbar strain with degenerative joint disease was granted an initial rating of 10 percent prior to August 8, 2005 and increased to 40 percent thereafter. The left lower extremity radiculopathy was granted a separate compensable rating of 20 percent effective October 28, 2011.,The Veteran's GERD was granted an initial 30 percent disability rating. Residuals, fracture, left distal fibula and medial malleolus were granted a 30 percent disability rating from October 28, 2011. The right ankle disability claim is denied.,Service connection for the Veteran's claimed right ankle disability was not established.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records and need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has been rated at 20 percent since February 16, 2000. The Board denied an increased rating for the orthopedic manifestations and neurological manifestations in both lower extremities.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected lumbar spine and right hip disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnoses of degenerative joint disease of the lumbar and cervical spine are not related to his active duty service. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or disease, and there is no presumption of service connection for arthritis.

The Veteran's residuals of compression fracture at T-12 have been rated as 20 percent disabling, reflecting moderate limitation of motion. The Board found that the disability did not warrant a higher rating based on additional factors such as ankylosis or intervertebral disc syndrome.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and hiatal hernia, finding that his current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected DDD of the thoracolumbar spine was denied, and he is not entitled to a TDIU based on his service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed neck, back, and right leg disabilities are not service-connected as they did not manifest during active duty or within a presumptive period.

The Board has requested clarification on the Veteran's request for a hearing and will schedule a video conference hearing at the RO, with an option for a three-way conference if possible.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disorder and an upper respiratory disorder, as well as his initial rating for GERD and increased rating for low back disability. The claim for TDIU is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 and service connection for left shoulder disability were denied due to lack of additional disability or death resulting from VA care, treatment, or examination.

Service connection for bilateral knee disability and low back disability has been denied as the disabilities did not have their onset in service or are not caused by service-connected conditions.,A compensable rating for left leg shortening is not warranted due to the degree of limitation of ankle motion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for tinnitus, low back pain, and a nasal disorder are not supported by competent evidence linking these conditions to his active service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hypertension, residuals of fracture of the left great toe, bilateral hearing loss, right shoulder strain, and lumbar spine strain have been granted. The initial ratings assigned are noncompensable.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including cold injury residuals and low back disability, do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.