Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability is secondary to his service-connected foot and low back disabilities, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for increased ratings and service connection, among other issues. The Board found that the criteria for higher ratings were not met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine, right arm (including hand), and right knee disabilities are not service-connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, is the result of a disease or injury in active military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine his ability to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling VA examinations to address the claims of service connection for various disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to report for a scheduled hearing. The case will be rescheduled for a video conference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral knee and low back disabilities are not related to her service, as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during service or within one year after separation. The preexisting conditions were not aggravated by any in-service injury.

The Board found that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active duty and may not be presumed.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluation of left knee disability and service connection for herniated nucleus pulposus of the lumbosacral spine are being remanded due to outstanding medical records and potential upcoming surgery.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing records from a chiropractic clinic and VA Medical Center.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and medical opinions. The examinations should address all in-service and post-service testing for lead exposure, as well as the Veteran's full service treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, a new examination of his lumbar spine disability, and an opinion on whether he meets the criteria for TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine with myofascial pain and radiculopathy is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations to determine the current severity of his service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative disease and arthritis of the right knee.

The Board found that the Veteran's lumbosacral strain did not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating higher than 10 percent prior to December 3, 2012.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the Veteran's disability rating from 40% to 20% for her low back disability was not proper, and she is entitled to restoration of the 40% rating. The criteria for a higher rating than 40% are not met.

The Veteran's lumbar scoliosis with facet arthrosis and cervical degenerative arthritis were not rated higher than the assigned evaluations from January 24, 2009 to December 19, 2013 and since December 20, 2013 respectively.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been presented to reopen the claim of service connection for a back disability, resulting in a denial.