Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine was denied. The current rating of 40 percent is based on findings from an August 2005 VA examination, which showed forward flexion to 75 degrees and no unfavorable ankylosis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder and a low back disability are denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between the current conditions and service.

The Board has denied all issues on appeal except the claim for a higher initial evaluation for tinnitus, which is addressed in the decision.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine has been rated at 40 percent, and his claim for a TDIU on an extra-schedular basis is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for arthritis of the ankles, hips, low back, and shin splints due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to her military service.

The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the appeal for higher ratings has been denied.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability is associated with radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities, as well as neurogenic bladder dysfunction. The Board has granted a separate initial evaluation of 10 percent for each leg radiculopathy and a separate initial evaluation of 60 percent for neurogenic bladder dysfunction since March 11, 2010.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his service-connected back injury and for service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for a total left hip replacement and granted it, finding that new evidence supports a relationship to his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's thoracic and low back disability is related to his military service, granting service connection. The gastrointestinal disability claim was not supported by evidence of record, resulting in denial. The rating for hemorrhoids remains at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. His lumbar spine disability was rated at 40 percent, his impotence and otitis externa were not service-connected or warranting a compensable rating, and his PTSD and peripheral neuropathy were also not granted higher ratings.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain has been manifested by pain, spasm, weakness, and limitation of motion. The Board found that the evidence did not show forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, nor ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine, which are required for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder, right ankle disorder, and left hip disorder. The issues of secondary service connection have been addressed.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disorder is service-connected, and he is granted a rating of 10 percent for his right knee condition. His hypertension is also rated at 10 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for fee basis outpatient psychological services, finding that a geographically accessible VA facility is capable of providing the required psychiatric services.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting VA examinations to determine if the Veteran's current low back disability and PTSD are related to his service.

The Veteran's service-connected low back disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's pes planus was not aggravated by service and denied his claim for service connection. The Board also found no evidence of a current back disability related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA orthopedic and neurologic examination to clarify his back diagnoses and determine whether his claimed cervical spine disability and radiculopathy of the upper and lower extremities are related to his service-connected ankylosing spondylitis.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a low back disability. The June 1969 rating decision denied service connection due to no in-service incurrence or aggravation, while the February 1996 rating decision denied reopening based on lack of diagnosis or treatment records.