Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has restored the Veteran's original 40% rating for lumbar degenerative disc disease, effective October 1, 2015, as the reduction was improper due to an inadequate VA examination report and subsequent evidence suggesting no improvement in disability under ordinary conditions of life and work.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, finding that the Veteran did not meet the criteria as there was no evidence of a current disability related to an in-service injury or disease. The Board also denied service connection for a cervical spine disability, concluding that the Veteran's current condition is not causally related to his military service.,The Board determined that the Veteran's low back and cervical spine disabilities are not directly linked to his active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions rendered him so incapable of performing the activities of daily living that he required care or assistance on a regular basis, and his spouse provided this aid and attendance. The Board granted special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran's lumbar spine IVDS with DDD was productive of forward flexion of an estimated forward flexion greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees, and muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour. The Board granted a rating of 20 percent for the entire period on appeal.

The Veteran's petition to reopen claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability, back disability, and bilateral foot disability was granted.,Service connection is granted for an acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral hip condition and a low back disability, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is service-connected, as her symptoms are linked to an in-service fall and she provided credible testimony supporting this claim.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient reasoning in a previous VA examination and the need for updated medical records. The Veteran's back disorder is being reviewed again to determine if it had its onset during service or is otherwise related to her military service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on all issues, including those for increased ratings and service connection. The Board dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's withdrawal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability did not begin during service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's left knee condition is caused by his service-connected right foot disability, and the Board has granted service connection for this secondary condition. The back condition claim was remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder, diagnosed as degenerative disc disease, is related to an in-service injury. The Veteran's dizziness is the result of his now service-connected cervical spine disability.,Service connection for bilateral foot disorders and bilateral ankle disorders are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for updated examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's neck, low back, left shoulder, right shoulder, and right hip disabilities are not service-connected as they did not begin during active service or are otherwise unrelated to service.,The Veteran's TMJ disorder was also denied as it is not service-connected.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected back disability was denied as the evidence did not show that she met the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.

The Board has denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and anxiety, as the evidence does not support a diagnosis of PTSD or establish that any current psychiatric disability is related to service.,The Board also denied service connection for a back disorder, finding no persuasive evidence linking any current back condition to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of a left knee disability, right knee disability, and allergic rhinitis are being remanded due to the addition of new evidence. The lumbar spine disability claim is also being remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for her service-connected low back disability and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The case requires further development, including a new VA examination to assess whether she has an altered gait.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to evidence obtained after the previous remand. The Veteran's service connection claims are being reviewed again.