Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and associated radiculopathy were evaluated, with the current rating of 40 percent for the period beginning April 13, 2006. The appeal was denied as there is no evidence of incapacitating episodes or ankylosis.

The Board determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability does not warrant a higher rating as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 40 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability is not proximately due to or the result of any incident of service or service-connected disease or injury, including residuals of a right shoulder fracture and thoracic outlet surgery with rib resection. The claim for cervical spine disorder was remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of his lower back disability, finding that there is no evidence linking his current condition to his active military service.

The Veteran's service-connected low back disability, diagnosed as unilateral sacroiliitis with pain, is currently rated at 20 percent and the appeal for a higher rating has been denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for reopening his service connection claims for right wrist and low back disorders due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's lower back disorder, resulting in severe lumbosacral strain and limited forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine, is rated at 40 percent. The Veteran also has right and left lower extremity neuropathy secondary to his lower back disorder, which warrants separate 10 percent ratings. Additionally, he has bladder impairment/increased urinary frequency as a result of his lower back disorder, warranting a separate noncompensable rating. A single tender scar related to the Veteran's lower back surgery is rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities are being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding their relationship to his service-connected migraine headaches.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, left arm condition, and nephrolithiasis. The claim for nonservice-connected pension was not adjudicated due to lack of jurisdiction.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional development, including obtaining a line of duty finding and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's service records do not show any diagnosed conditions related to his claimed disabilities. The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a right shoulder disability, left hand disability, headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep disorder, or short-term memory loss that were incurred in or aggravated by his active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability is related to his in-service injury, and thus service connection is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, right hip, and right shoulder as secondary to his service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected spondylolysis of the lumbosacral spine does not warrant a schedular rating in excess of 20 percent, but granted a separate 10 percent evaluation for numbness in each lower extremity due to the disability.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for a low back disorder and service connection for cold injury residuals are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including medical examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss and a strain of the erector spinal muscle group of the right lumbar region, are sufficient to preclude his participation in substantially gainful employment.

The Board has denied the Veteran's request to reopen his previously denied claim of service connection for a low back disorder, finding that new and material evidence was not provided.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations and effective dates, finding that service connection had already been granted prior to February 27, 2007.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions.