Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is denied as there is no evidence showing that it was incurred in or aggravated by service.,Service connection for PTSD is granted based on credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor, despite conflicting medical opinions regarding current diagnosis.

The Board found no evidence of a lumbar spine injury in service and concluded that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disability is not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD) with degenerative arthritis and right lower extremity radiculopathy due to new evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's lumbar strain is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board found that it does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertriglyceridemia is denied as it does not constitute a disability for VA compensation purposes.,The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to April 26, 2011, for service connection for PTSD and tinnitus are denied due to lack of communication indicating intent to file a claim prior to the date of receipt of his formal claims forms.,The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is remanded as additional VA examination records are needed.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of right tibia fracture and low back disability is remanded due to missing service treatment records and the need for a more detailed etiological opinion.,No effective date prior to April 26, 2011, was granted as no communication indicating intent to file a claim prior to that date was received.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination reports and failure to consider functional loss during flare-ups.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for service connection of a back disability, including degenerative joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine. The decision is based on the need for a supplemental VA opinion due to the lack of consideration of the Veteran's lay statements regarding his symptoms during and after service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim to reopen his previously denied service connection for a low back disability, and has also granted service connection for this condition. The evidence shows that the Veteran experienced symptoms of back pain during military service in Vietnam, including jumping from helicopters at heights up to 10 feet above ground level while carrying heavy packs.

The Board has granted service connection for a back condition, but denied service connection for bilateral pes planus and hallux valgus, left foot.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of various disabilities, including PTSD and TBI residuals, were denied. The Board found no current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disability during the appeal period.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his lumbosacral spine DJD is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and treatment records. The service connection for this condition was previously granted on a secondary basis, but it may be more appropriately characterized as aggravated by his service-connected left knee disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability, but remanded the issues of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to unclear audiometric test results.

The Board has remanded several issues, including service connection for a back condition and secondary service connection claims. The rating for the acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development of evidence, including a VA examination and consideration of new medical records.

The claim to reopen the service connection for a low back disorder is denied. The claim to reopen the service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted, and service connection is established.

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

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding medical questions and need for further examination.

The Veteran's back injury with degenerative disc disease and mild facet hypertrophy is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that it does not meet or approximate criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for left wrist strain, lumbosacral strain, left knee strain, sinusitis, tension headaches and migraine headaches, and irritable bowel syndrome. The Veteran's current diagnoses are consistent with his reported symptoms in service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the issues of entitlement to service connection for a left shoulder disorder, right wrist disorder, lower back disorder, blurry vision, and tinnitus. The appeal is dismissed.