Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability was granted with an effective date of December 8, 2005. The decision is based on the submission of relevant official service department records that were not previously part of the claims file at the time of the initial denial in February 2006.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 20 percent rating for lumbar spine strain with degenerative arthritis is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a separate 20 percent rating for right knee based on instability since July 6, 2018 is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and a low back disorder have been denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for back, right hip, and left hip disorders due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back condition is causally related to service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for various foot and back conditions have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for any of the conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left leg numbness secondary to back is denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for cervical strain (C6-7) claimed as cervical disc degeneration is remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error prior to the rating decision on appeal.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar spine, degenerative arthritis (claimed as chronic low back pain) is remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error prior to the rating decision on appeal.

The Board has granted an effective date of July 11, 2007 for the grant of a TDIU based on service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's conditions rendered her unemployable as of that date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraines is granted. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding the onset of the Veteran's migraines and their recurrent symptoms since his first period of active service, thus granting service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for low back disability and GAD with insomnia, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during active service. The initial rating of 10 percent for migraine disorder is also granted.,The Veteran's claims are supported by her credible statements and medical evidence showing a continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for cervical back condition, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, bilateral feet degenerative arthritis, and bilateral hand degenerative arthritis due to missing records from his Army Reserve service. The RO is instructed to verify any reserve service with NPRC and Army Reserve Personnel Center, obtain all relevant service treatment records, and seek out any outstanding VA or private treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective date determinations are being remanded due to the submission of additional evidence not previously considered by the RO.

The Veteran's eye disorder is not service-connected as it was diagnosed after service and there is no evidence linking the current condition to his military service.,There is no evidence of a current diagnosis of bilateral flat feet, and the Veteran has not provided sufficient medical evidence to support a claim for this issue.

The Veteran's appeals for higher initial disability ratings in several conditions have been dismissed as the Veteran has withdrawn all his pending appeals.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for back, right knee, and left knee disabilities as well as an acquired psychiatric disorder. The claims are now remanded for further development.

The Veteran's right shoulder, left knee, and back disabilities were granted separate 10 percent ratings from November 2, 2015 to May 23, 2016. A rating higher than 10 percent for the right shoulder disability was denied during this period.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for a lumbar spine disability due to new and material evidence. However, it denied the claim as there was no in-service injury or disease that led to the current condition.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings on the right and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, as well as degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome and lumbar strain, and right and left hip osteoarthritis are being remanded due to incomplete medical records.,The Veteran's claims for higher ratings on the right and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, as well as degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome and lumbar strain, and right and left hip osteoarthritis are being remanded due to incomplete medical records.

The Board has remanded the claims for a lumbar spine disability, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy due to procedural issues and need for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his back disability is denied as the evidence does not show that it meets or exceeds the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent.,Service connection for frontal lobe damage is denied because there is no current diagnosis of such condition.