Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all issues related to the ratings of his service-connected conditions, including degenerative lumbosacral disc disease with sacroiliac joint dysfunction, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, left knee chondromalacia patella, right knee chondromalacia patella, left ankle avulsion fracture, and scalp laceration scar.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right ankle disorders, as well as cervical spine disorder, have been denied. The Board found no current disability associated with the ankles or cervical spine, either by diagnosis or functional impairment. There are also no objective indications of chronic undiagnosed disability associated with these conditions that manifested during service or to a degree of 10 percent or more following service.

The Veteran's right and left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathies have each been granted a rating of 10 percent, effective from December 17, 2009. The Veteran's lumbar spine DDD has also been granted a 10 percent rating, effective from the same date.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the cervical spine, lumbar spine, and upper extremity radiculopathy claims due to the need for retrospective medical opinions. The remaining issues are remanded for readjudication.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's low back disability and his service. The claim will be reconsidered after obtaining a new opinion from a VA examiner.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability and a migraine headache disability, both related to the Veteran's service. The decision is based on evidence showing that these conditions are directly related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the VA examination reports are inadequate and remands both issues for further development, including obtaining an adequate opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's lower back condition and rectal sphincter insufficiency with involuntary bowel movements/urgency (fecal incontinence condition).

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for lumbar spine and hallux valgus disorders, as they are secondary to service-connected right and left knee patellofemoral syndrome. The Veteran's assertions include a claim of direct service connection.

The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for low back pain, right shoulder pain, and neck pain. The Veteran contends that these conditions are related to his in-service duties.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability caused wear to his upper body garments, warranting a clothing allowance for the back brace. However, there is no evidence of knee braces being used due to service-connected disabilities, so the request for a clothing allowance for bilateral knee braces was denied.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 20 percent, effective from the date of the July 2014 rating decision.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, finding that his current condition is related to an in-service injury and resolving all reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain disability is now considered service-connected.,The Veteran's right knee and left knee disabilities are now considered service-connected.,The Veteran's OSA is now considered service-connected.,The Veteran's pulmonary disability remains not service-connected.,The Veteran's right wrist and left wrist disabilities remain not service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and requests for updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's claims for deviated septum, obstructive sleep apnea, acid reflux, heart disability (enlarged heart and cardiomyopathy), restless leg syndrome of the right leg, restless leg syndrome of the left leg, and TDIU are REMANDED.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left leg, right leg, right shoulder, and back disabilities due to incomplete records and need for further examination.

The Veteran's appeals for an increased rating for lumbar spine degenerative joint disease and a TDIU have been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to the promulgation of an appellate decision.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left hip, low back, left ankle, right wrist, and throat disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing an in-service injury or disease. The cases are remanded for additional development.

The Board has withdrawn the claim of service connection for PTSD due to the Veteran's withdrawal. The claims for increased rating and TDIU are being remanded for additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, but denied service connection for a lung disorder.