Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2015

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the appellant's current low back disability and his in-service injury, concluding that the preponderance of the evidence is against the claim.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is secondary to his service-connected allergic rhinitis. The Board has granted this claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient medical evidence and the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease are found to be the cause of his death. The claim for an initial disability evaluation greater than 50 percent for a headache disorder is granted, with an effective date set at March 9, 2001.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the appellant's current low back disability and his in-service injury, concluding that the preponderance of the evidence is against the claim.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records from the Arizona Department of Corrections and considering any new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling an examination during a period of flare-up and obtaining a medical opinion regarding the cause of his stroke.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for DDD and DJD of the lumbar spine was denied as his condition did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disorder is not shown to be causally or etiologically related to his military service, and thus denies his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee and low back disabilities were not related to service, thus denying his claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability is the result of an in-service injury, and thus service connection for this condition is granted. The issue regarding left foot disability remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal of the issue of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been dismissed due to his withdrawal request.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and SSA disability decision records. The Veteran's lumbar spine claim must be adjudicated on the merits.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine and a right knee disability. The Board is dismissing these claims.

The Board has granted an initial disability rating of 20 percent for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and a separate 10 percent rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, effective from the date of the grant of service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling VA examinations to address service connection claims. The issues of TDIU are also inextricably intertwined with the service connection claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities are secondary to his service-connected knee, ankle, and foot disabilities. The evidence supports this finding as the Veteran reported multiple falls due to instability of his knees and ankles which resulted in neck and back injuries.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant through his authorized representative before a decision was made.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities. The claim for a back condition was reopened but remains denied due to lack of in-service injury or incident.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 5243 for intervertebral disc syndrome. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher evaluation based on incapacitating episodes or limitation of motion.