Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's low back disorder is rated at 40 percent prior to September 29, 2008 and 40 percent thereafter. The right lumbar radiculopathy is rated at 20 percent. PTSD is rated at 30 percent prior to August 14, 2007.,The Veteran's hemorrhoids are not compensable.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for low back strain with degenerative disc disease is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, bilateral pes planus/plantar fasciitis, and migraine headaches were denied. The VA found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, reflecting no more than forward flexion to 45 degrees with no further limitation of motion due to functional loss. There are no incapacitating episodes of Intervertebral Disc Disease.

The Board has determined that the reduction in evaluation of service-connected lumbar disc disease, L5-S1, from 60 to 40 percent was proper.

The Board found that the Veteran's degenerative disc disease was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is not proximately due to, or the result of, his service-connected bilateral knee disability. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the Veteran's disability rating for arthrosis of the lumbar spine from 40 percent to 20 percent, effective May 1, 2008, was proper.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for a low back disability and bilateral foot fungus.

The Veteran's medical services at Cary Medical Center on October 13, 2007 were not authorized prior to the treatment and did not meet the criteria for reimbursement under VA regulations.

The VA denied the appellant's claims for a higher rating for her chronic low back strain and TDIU, finding that the current evaluation of 40 percent is appropriate based on her symptoms and range of motion.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and missing records. The Veteran's hearing loss and back condition will need further evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine is related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic lumbar spine disorder in service or within one year after separation, and the Veteran's current condition is not related to his military service. The claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder was denied.

The Board found that a low back disability was not incurred or aggravated by service, and denied the claim.

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

The Board has determined that the submitted evidence does not relate to the unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim of service connection for a low back disability, and thus, the claim may not be reopened.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and readjudication due to the Veteran's failure to report for VA spine examinations.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability was initially rated at 10 percent prior to March 17, 2009. Effective that date, the rating was increased to 40 percent.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his lumbosacral strain disability was denied as the evidence did not show ankylosis of the spine or incapacitating episodes that required bed rest and treatment by a physician.