Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability and his military service. The examiner must address a December 1975 treatment note stating that an orthopedist opined that the fracture at T3 was an old fracture and of no significance.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's back disability, finding that it is less likely than not caused by his active military service.

The Veteran's nephrolithiasis and thoracic spine degenerative disc disease and intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) have been rated at the maximum allowed under their respective diagnostic codes.,The Veteran's IVDS does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as there is no evidence of incapacitating episodes or flexion limited to 30 degrees or less.

The Board has remanded the claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the lumbar spine disability from February 25, 2016 due to inadequate examination findings and the need for further assessment.

The Board denied service connection for thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease, tinnitus, and bilateral lower extremity sciatica (now claimed as peripheral neuropathy). The most probative evidence did not show a link between these conditions and the Veteran's service.,The Board also found that there was no continuity of symptomatology related to arthritis of the low back since service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim to reopen service connection for a low back disability and has also found that Bertolotti's syndrome is service-connected due to aggravation of a pre-existing condition. The decision does not specify a rating or effective date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for an effective date earlier than September 5, 2014 for the grant of service connection for actinic keratosis and for initial compensable rating for actinic keratosis are denied. The remaining issues have been remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to scheduling issues for VA examinations and obtaining updated medical records. The claims for service connection remain on hold until these matters are resolved.

The Board has denied service connection for a bilateral shoulder condition and has remanded the issue of service connection for a lumbar spine condition.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities, along with associated radiculopathy, are found to be of sufficient severity to produce unemployability since January 6, 2016.

The petition to reopen the claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus was denied.,Service connection for a back condition is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's left shoulder tendonitis and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease have been granted initial disability ratings of 20 percent each, effective from the dates specified.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder, finding that it was incurred or aggravated during his second period of active service and not preexisting.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to December 12, 2018.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for kidney stones and low back disability due to a lack of VA examinations and medical opinions. The Veteran will need to undergo these exams to determine if his conditions are related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis and an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for a low back disability. The Veteran was found not to have current disabilities for these conditions, and his low back disability was found to be at worst limited to forward flexion to 35 degrees during the period on appeal.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for headaches, left knee strain, and right knee strain due to insufficient medical opinions regarding service connection. Additional development is needed to address all theories of service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine, secondary to his service-connected left and right knee disabilities, is granted. The reduction in rating for service-connected left ankle tarsal tunnel syndrome from 20% to noncompensable effective August 8, 2014, is not proper.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected bilateral knee and back disabilities, as well as his claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability. The case is being remanded to allow for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's back condition. The claim will be reviewed again with a new examination and medical opinion.