Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, finding that the Veteran did not sustain an injury during active duty training and that his current condition is not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to address whether a higher alternate rating is warranted for the service connected lumbar spine based upon the Formula for Rating IVDS Based on Incapacitating Episodes from November 14, 2007 to March 5, 2008. The remaining issues are also remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral flat foot, low back disability (spondylosis), and left knee disability (osteoarthritis) as there was no evidence of a current disability or a link to service.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant before the Board could make a decision.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, as well as initial compensable ratings for facial and groin scars. The Veteran's current conditions are not associated with his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disability, specifically his diagnosed spondylolisthesis at L6. The claim will be returned for further evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for low back and neck disorders, finding no evidence of a relationship between current conditions and active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's DDD of the lumbar spine due to inadequate testing in the previous examination. The other issues remain pending.

The Board has ordered a remand to determine the cause or worsening of the Veteran's low back disorder, including whether it is related to his service-connected left knee disability and post-service falls.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is at least as likely as not related to his in-service injury, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's left shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis is currently rated at 20% and denied an increased rating.,Prior to December 29, 2014, the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was rated at 10%, and after that date it was rated at 20%. Both ratings are denied.

The Veteran's lumbar degenerative disc disease is rated at 40 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The effective date for the combined 90 percent rating and TDIU prior to August 1, 2013 are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected geographic tongue/migratory stomatitis is granted, while his lumbar spine disability remains at a 10 percent rating prior to September 27, 2017, and increased to 40 percent thereafter.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for various conditions due to receipt of additional relevant service medical records. The Veteran's claims will be reconsidered.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of a right elbow disorder and right upper extremity neuropathy are remanded.,The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for various conditions, including right wrist sprain, lumbar strain, hip trochanteric bursitis, ankle sprains, and headaches, are also remanded.

The Veteran's initial claim for service connection for a back disability was denied in September 1971, and the decision is final. The Veteran filed another claim on May 1, 2007, which led to an effective date of May 1, 2007.,The Veteran's spondylolysis of the lumbar spine disability has been rated at 40 percent since May 1, 2007. The appeal is denied as there is no indication that the condition warrants a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the cases due to issues with the May 2010 rating decision, including needing a retrospective opinion on the range of motion for the lower back disability and its impact on TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for a pilonidal cyst. The claims for low back condition, hypertension, and acne are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's claim to reopen service connection for a left total left hip replacement was denied as new and material evidence had not been received.,The Veteran's claim to reopen service connection for degenerative disc disease with spinal stenosis (L4-L5) and neuro-foraminal stenosis (L5-S1) was denied as new and material evidence had not been received.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied due to lack of a link between the condition and military service.,Service connection for hypertension was denied due to lack of a link between the condition and military service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.