Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2016

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disability is not etiologically related to military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. The effective date for the grant of service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is July 15, 1998.

The Board has determined that a new VA medical examination is needed to address the etiology of the Veteran's low back disability, particularly in relation to his service-connected left knee excision and right knee strain.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, finding that there was no evidence to support these conditions during his military service or within one year after separation.

The Veteran's chronic lumbar strain was found to not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to January 16, 2014 and on or after that date. The Board determined that his disability did not warrant an increased rating based on the evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and readjudication, including obtaining vocational rehabilitation files, SSA records, and treatment records. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also being considered as it is related to his low back strain.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was initially granted, but the initial rating of 10% has been maintained. Prior to June 2, 2011, his flexion was limited to 90 degrees with no pain on testing; as of June 2, 2011, it was limited to 45 degrees due to pain.

The Board denied service connection for arthritis of the knees, cervical spine, and low back as not related to active service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity and manifestations of his service-connected lumbar spine and hip disabilities.

The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise on whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities contributed to his death, and grants service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional records and a VA examination.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's back disability. The claim is being returned to the RO for further development.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lower back disability is etiologically related to his active service and grants service connection for this condition. The issue of bilateral hip disability will be addressed in a separate remand.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right leg disorder, back disorder, headaches, and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board found no evidence of a left shoulder disability during service and determined that the current left shoulder disability is not related to service. The hypertension, elbow, wrist, back, radiculopathy, erectile dysfunction, and psychiatric disabilities were also denied as not related to service.

The Board granted service connection for a back disorder and assigned a 30 percent disability rating. The Veteran's PTSD was also addressed, with the initial rating of 30 percent maintained prior to September 27, 2014, and increased to 50 percent thereafter.

The Board found that the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder and right foot disability are not related to service or his service-connected disabilities, thus denying both claims.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum medical opinion and ensuring that all claims are properly addressed.

The Veteran is found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities prior to June 16, 2009, and the Board grants TDIU effective from June 30, 2003.