Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and right lower extremity neuropathy was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not warrant a higher rating based on the current state of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for a low back disorder. However, the Veteran's current low back disability is not etiologically related to his active service.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss was reduced from 10% to noncompensable effective November 1, 2008. His other claims for increased evaluations were denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disorder manifested by pain. The issue of entitlement to service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis is remanded due to inadequate medical evidence in the record.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear for a scheduled hearing. The case will be rescheduled for the next available hearing date at the same facility.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral insufficiency with spondylolisthesis was denied as the evidence did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine less than 30 degrees or favorable ankylosis, and there were no incapacitating episodes requiring physician-prescribed bed rest.

The Veteran's current low back pain and difficulty urinating are not considered to be related to the service-connected spinal abscess, which has resolved. The Board finds that these residuals are not due to VA care or treatment.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a sacroiliac injury with spondylarthrosis, lumbar vertebrae are manifested by pain and limited motion without ankylosis or incapacitating episodes. The criteria for a higher evaluation have not been met.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 20 percent for service-connected chronic lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease was granted. A separate rating of 40 percent for radiculopathy of the left leg, effective from May 12, 2010, was also granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a coccyx disability and a psychiatric disorder, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus to service or a separate identifiable disability. The appeal regarding secondary service connection for a psychiatric disorder was also denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran's hypertension, acquired low back disability (claimed as chronic low back pain), stomach scar, and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The STRs do not show any signs of these conditions during service, and there is no evidence to support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's current lumbar spine disorder and his service, or any incident therein. The claim was denied as there is insufficient medical evidence to support the assertion that the Veteran's back condition is related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disc disease and other disabilities do not meet the criteria for a special home adaptation grant or an increased rating. The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in the need for regular aid and attendance, as she is able to perform her activities of daily living without requiring assistance from another person.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder, back disability, and bilateral hearing loss were denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to service.,Service connection was not established as the Veteran did not have a diagnosed condition during service or within one year after separation.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's right ankle, left hip and lumbar spine disorders. The Veteran must be provided with a VA examination to determine if any of these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The appeal for a higher rating is denied. For TDIU, the Veteran's service-connected low back disability does not meet the threshold minimum criteria and does not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, hepatitis C, and prostate disorder. The Board found that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his claims, including the need for VA examinations to determine the presence and likely etiology of any hearing loss and back disability.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for a back disorder was denied as no new and material evidence had been submitted.,Service connection for hypertension could not be established due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service.