Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for chronic lumbosacral strain was denied, and the Board found that his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic code. The issue of entitlement to TDIU due to service-connected disability was also denied.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, finding no current diagnosis and insufficient evidence linking the condition to in-service stressors.,Service connection was also denied for bilateral shoulder disability due to lack of in-service injury or disease and insufficient evidence linking current symptoms to service.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease and scoliosis has not been manifested by forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine of 30 degrees or less, so a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to incomplete information regarding his employment and income history. The Board will provide another opportunity for the Veteran to submit necessary forms, and any failure to respond may result in a decision based on current evidence or dismissal of the claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his upper back condition. The Board also requests retrospective findings regarding his right knee condition.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability, finding that the evidence does not support a finding of a chronic back problem that started in service and continued since then.

The Board has dismissed all appeals due to the appellant's death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his degenerative joint disease of lumbar spine and total disability due to individual unemployability.,The AOJ is required to obtain up-to-date VA treatment records, a retrospective medical opinion regarding flare-ups, a new VA examination addressing loss of range of motion over time, and refer the TDIU claim prior to July 21, 2014 for extraschedular consideration.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for further development, including obtaining a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's chronic low back strain.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back condition and a bilateral lower extremity condition, finding that there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a right knee disability and back disability due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their relationship to service. The VA will need to obtain updated treatment records, translate German medical records, and schedule the Veteran for additional examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for disability manifested by widespread joint and muscle pain (other than chronic lumbar strain with degenerative joint disease, left knee degenerative joint disease, and right wrist strain) has been granted.,Service connection has also been established for insomnia secondary to service-connected sleep apnea. The Veteran's fatigue is being remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability is currently rated based on limitation of motion and has been remanded for further development. The Board found that the criteria for higher ratings have not been met or approximated.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back and left shoulder disorders, finding no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection. The claims are being remanded due to incomplete records and inadequate medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a low back disability, compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, and TDIU due to incomplete development and potential misdiagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine, lumbar spine, and left lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities due to inadequate examinations in prior decisions. The Veteran is required to undergo new VA examinations to determine the current severity of his conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his claim of a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine.,The Veteran's appeal is also remanded for further development regarding his TDIU claim.

The Board has granted service connection for low back, bilateral knee, and bilateral ankle disabilities. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is also found to be related to service.,Service connection was denied for a sleep disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disability, bilateral hearing loss, bilateral plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis, left hip disability, right hip disability, left shoulder disability, and back disability. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or were related to in-service injuries.