Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board denied reopening a previously denied claim of service connection for degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine because no new and material evidence was submitted to establish a link between the current condition and an in-service motor vehicle accident.

The Veteran's depressive disorder, NOS is granted as secondary to his service-connected back and right shoulder disabilities. The rating for spondylosis of the lumbar spine remains at 20 percent, while the rating for degenerative joint disease, right shoulder, also remains at 20 percent.

The Board denied reopening the claims for service connection for low back and bilateral hip disabilities, to include as secondary to a left knee disability due to lack of new and material evidence. The claim for an increased rating for tinnitus was also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine degenerative disc disease, sleep apnea, and hypertension (claimed as high blood pressure), finding that the Veteran's conditions are at least in equipoise with evidence of onset during active duty service.,Service connection is established based on the presumption of soundness under 38 U.S.C. § 1112 for cervical spine degenerative disc disease, sleep apnea, and hypertension (claimed as high blood pressure).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected back disability is etiologically related to her active military service, and thus grants her claim for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD rating is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining recent VA treatment records and a new examination. The TDIU claim is also being remanded due to the inferred nature of the claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right hip arthritis and total hip replacement, as well as his low back disorder, are related to his service-connected residuals of a shell fragment wound (SFW) of the left thigh and knee. The appeal is granted for these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions including back disorder, tinnitus, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, and nerve disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spasm, spondylosis, discogenic disease C5-C6 by x-rays (neck condition) and low back disability as the Veteran's conditions did not have their onset during active service or were not related to active service.

The Board has determined that there is insufficient evidence to decide whether the Veteran qualifies for vocational rehabilitation services due to his service-connected disabilities and work history. The case is being remanded for further evaluation by a VRC or CP.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's hearing loss and back condition claims. The Veteran will need to undergo further examination to determine if his current conditions are related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder, left elbow, and right elbow disabilities are not related to his active service. The lumbosacral strain (low back condition) is remanded for further review.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need to obtain post-service treatment records from the Department of Defense.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the cervical spine were denied as new and material evidence was not received to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar myositis with herniated nucleus pulposus, degenerative arthritis, and lumbar strain is rated at 40 percent. The effective date for this rating is April 25, 2016.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, coronary artery disease, and renal insufficiency. The claims are now remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition was not incurred in or related to his military service.

All appeals are dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for a lumbar spine disability is granted. The Board finds that reopening the claim is warranted due to new and material evidence submitted since the April 2004 rating decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with increased disability ratings for cervical and lumbar spine conditions, as well as a TDIU claim. The Veteran's current ratings of 30% for cervical spine and 40% for lumbar spine are maintained.