Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disorders are due to injuries sustained during his period of active service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD and a chronic right shoulder disability, was granted. The Veteran also received increased evaluations for his PTSD.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic low back disorder in service and denied the claim for service connection. The skin disorders were not linked to herbicide exposure or other service events.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as the Board found that he did not meet the criteria for an increased evaluation of his multi-level compression fracture of the thoracolumbar spine prior to March 16, 2011. For the period since March 16, 2011, the evidence does not show additional functional impairment due to pain or weakness that would warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 20 percent prior to February 18, 2011 and increased to 40 percent on and after that date. His left hip disability remained at a 30 percent evaluation from April 1, 2001, until his TDIU award in May 2012.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right hip bursitis is caused by his service-connected low back strain, granting secondary service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's current back disability did not begin during or as a result of his military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board previously denied an increased rating for the Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease status post L4-L5 fusion. The case is now remanded to the RO for further development and re-adjudication.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is related to his service-connected hip and knee disabilities, thus granting service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for low back, right hip, and right leg disabilities. The evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's chronic low back strain was granted a 20 percent disability evaluation effective September 15, 2011. Prior to this date, the condition warranted a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection claims and the claim for TDIU due to service-connected disability. The appeals are dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in the loss of use of his feet, warranting eligibility for automobile and adaptive equipment.

The Board has found that the Veteran's appeal requires a remand for further development, including scheduling a videoconference hearing at his local RO.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for the issues of increased ratings for various conditions, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine at L3-4 and PTSD. The remaining issue of an increased rating for left knee arthritis with a history of patellofemoral pain syndrome is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical and lumbar spine disabilities are currently evaluated at 20 percent each, but the Board finds that an increased evaluation is not warranted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including a VA examination to address the etiology of his bilateral knee and back disorders. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Veteran's initial evaluations for his service-connected lumbar and cervical spine disabilities have been granted, with the lumbar spine receiving a 40% evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since January 1, 2000.