Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his lumbar spine DDD with radiculopathy is being remanded due to the need to obtain SSA records, a specific X-ray report, and review of whether separate ratings are warranted for any neurologic disabilities.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings on his service-connected gunshot wound of the left buttock, degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine with osteoarthritis of the sacroiliac joint, and degenerative joint disease of the left hip have been dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Veteran's service connection claim for chronic pseudofolliculitis barbae was granted. The issue of service connection for a chronic low back disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for PTSD with major depression and service connection for right shoulder, thoracic spine, and lumbar spine disabilities. The issues involving a higher rating for PTSD and service connection for a lumbar spine disability are remanded.

The Veteran's hearing loss claim is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability meeting VA criteria for service connection. The numbness claims are pending and the cervical spine/lumbar spine disability remains at 10%.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the appropriate Regional Office.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining workman's compensation records from 1974 and providing a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC).

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, finding that the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability was incurred in service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disorder was neither caused nor aggravated by his service-connected left knee disability, and therefore denied both direct and secondary service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and disc herniation was granted a disability rating of 40 percent effective November 3, 2006. The Board found that the condition did not meet criteria for an increased rating prior to this date.

The Board has denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder, back disorder, and bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's claims were not supported by credible evidence of in-service stressors or medical nexus to his current conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's back injury in service, which he reported lifting artillery rounds, is connected to his current chronic degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The decision grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted under the applicable criteria.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed back disorder, bilateral knee disorder, and bilateral hip disorder are not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar disc disease is currently rated at 40 percent, and the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating. The claim for a compensable rating for sensorineural hearing loss in the right ear was also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected DDD lumbosacral spine and HNP of L5-S1 were granted an increased evaluation to 40 percent effective December 2, 2004. The claim for higher ratings remains pending.

The Veteran's low back and right knee disabilities are not service-connected as they are secondary to his service-connected left knee disability. His left total knee replacement is currently rated at 30 percent.