Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder, finding no evidence of in-service injury or chronic condition.,The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for additional bilateral knee disability due to a fall at the Oklahoma City VAMC was denied as it did not involve VA care or treatment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back strain with lumbar radiculopathy, right knee disability, and bilateral hip bursitis are not service-connected.,Further clarification is needed regarding the Veteran's current diagnoses of these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and migraine headaches, finding no current diagnosis of these conditions in the Veteran's records. The appeal was remanded to obtain VA examinations but the Veteran did not attend them.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for lumbar spine and cervical spine disorders, finding no evidence of in-service injury or disease that led to current conditions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for gallbladder removal, sleep apnea, and back disorder. As a result, the Board has dismissed these issues.

The Veteran's service connection claims for right knee, left hip, and low back conditions are remanded due to the newly granted service connection for a left knee condition. The Board will seek an opinion on whether these secondary conditions are caused by or aggravated by the service-connected left knee condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar strain, right hip degenerative arthritis with limitation of extension, and left hip degenerative arthritis were denied as the evidence did not show ankylosis or incapacitating episodes sufficient to warrant higher ratings.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU as his service-connected disabilities, in combination, did not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral arterial disease and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine are not rated higher than 20 percent, as both conditions do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA's rating schedule.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability with associated right and left lower extremity radiculopathy is granted an initial rating of 20 percent effective March 15, 2007.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is granted as service connected, with all doubt resolved in his favor.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions and the need for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine and intervertebral disc syndrome with lumbosacral radiculitis and spinal stenosis, finding that it is etiologically related to the Veteran's in-service back injury. The issues of service connection for residuals of a cold weather injury of the bilateral upper and lower extremities are remanded.

The Veteran's esophageal cancer was granted service connection. The Board found the lumbar spine issue remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right shoulder and back disabilities due to insufficient consideration of the Veteran's lay statements regarding continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his back and neck disabilities, as well as left upper extremity radiculopathy, were denied. The effective dates of the decisions are not provided.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for left lower extremity radiculopathy is granted, with the effective date set at September 14, 2006. SMC based on housebound status and need for regular aid and attendance are denied.

The Veteran's syrinx of the thoracolumbar spine is granted service connection. The rating for headaches remains at 30 percent, and sinusitis remains at 10 percent. Service connection for left arm disability and hypertension are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of compliance with previous remand directives and the need for a VA muscle examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to conflicting evidence and the need for additional records, including VA treatment records from 1973-1974 in Korea and any records from the 121st Evacuation Hospital.