Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate medical opinions and other procedural issues.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for cervical spine disability as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability due to a lack of medical evidence supporting this theory.

The Board has granted service connection for a back condition, including degenerative arthritis of the spine and lumbar spondylosis, as well as bilateral lumbar radiculopathy. The decision is based on evidence showing that these conditions are causally related to an injury during military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected lumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome, right and left lower extremity sciatica, as well as cervical spine disorder, are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.,Service connection is also being remanded for the Veteran's claimed right upper and left upper extremity neuropathies.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder, finding that there is no competent or credible evidence linking his current disability to service. The Board also found that the Veteran's current back disorder was not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected right knee patellofemoral syndrome and/or bilateral pes planus.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for a low back disability due to insufficient evidence on the etiology of the condition. The Veteran's lay statements and post-service medical records are considered, but further examination is needed.

The Veteran's service connection claims for scars of the left and right breasts, as well as residuals of excision of fibromas on her breasts (other than scars), are granted.,The Veteran's service connection claim for migraine headaches is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to incomplete VA examination reports.

The Veteran's initial rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine remains at 10 percent, and separate ratings for right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy are proper.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar spine disability was reopened, but his claims for left shoulder and right shoulder disabilities were not. Service connection is granted for a deviated nasal septum due to presumed exposure during active duty. Service connection is also granted for rhinitis due to presumed exposure during active duty.

The Board dismissed the appeals because the appellant did not file a valid substantive appeal after the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's appeal for floaters in both eyes was dismissed. The Veteran's left knee chondromalacia patella condition is granted as service-connected. The right knee condition remains under review and will be remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis of the spine and intervertebral disc syndrome, as well as left lower extremity radiculopathy. The case will be returned to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is found to be caused by his service-connected PTSD, back disability, and associated right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board dismissed the appeal for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain and IVDS due to lack of a valid substantive appeal. The claim for an increased rating for TBI was denied as the criteria were not met, and the claim for TDIU was also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disorder and a neurologic disorder of the bilateral lower extremities, to include peripheral neuropathy and radiculopathy. The back disorder is related to an in-service helicopter crash, while the neurologic disorder is secondary to the now service-connected back disorder.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and back disability due to the lack of evidence showing a current disability in accordance with VA standards.,For the right hand strain issues, the Veteran's symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for higher ratings under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's low back disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy have been granted service connection as they are related to his in-service combat injuries.

The Board has withdrawn the Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy. The remaining issues of entitlement to a higher rating for lumbar spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, SMC for aid and attendance, and TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including obstructive sleep apnea, Crohn's Disease, and gouty arthritis of the joints, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.