Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The cervical spine disorder and lumbar spine disorder, as well as bilateral pes planus, are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for esophageal cancer, right knee and back disabilities, and right shoulder disability due to insufficient examination reports. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine in 1997 due to lack of evidence linking it to service. The Veteran's new evidence does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate his claim, so his petition to reopen is denied.

The Veteran's right knee disabilities, including limitation of extension and excision with arthritis, are currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The issues of increased ratings for left knee instability and flexion limitation, and service connection for low back strain, are remanded.,VA is required to provide a VA medical examination if there is (1) competent evidence of a current disability or persistent / recurrent symptoms of a disability; (2) evidence establishing that an event, injury, or disease occurred in service; and (3) an indication that the disability or persistent / recurrent symptoms of a disability may be associated with the Veteran’s service. A new VA examination is needed for the low back condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional examinations and review of records, as well as addressing issues related to TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability (torticollis) was previously denied in July 1971, and new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim.,Service connection for hyperlipidemia is not warranted as it does not constitute a recognized disability for VA purposes.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to August 13, 2009 is being remanded due to the need for extraschedular consideration.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for lumbar spine DJD and skin disorders, including chronic folliculitis, basil cell carcinoma, and actinic keratosis. The evidence received since the March 2008 denial is considered new and material as it suggests a possible link between the Veteran’s current conditions and his military service.,The Board has also granted service connection for lumbar spine DJD and skin disorders, including chronic folliculitis, basil cell carcinoma, and actinic keratosis. The evidence supports a finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of additional evidence.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for low back disability due to insufficient examination opinions and lack of supporting evidence in the medical records.

The Board has denied service connection for a back disability and joint pain (knees and shoulders), but has remanded the claim for service connection of a psychiatric disorder.,Service connection is sought for a psychiatric disorder, with the Veteran alleging that his current condition may have not been formally diagnosed during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous directives and a need for additional VA examination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection of bilateral stress fractures, low back disorder, and bilateral knee disorder. The claims are now remanded for further development including obtaining SSA records, VA examination, and additional medical opinions.

The Board denied service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disorder, finding that the Veteran's current low back disability is not related to his military service or any service-connected conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for lumbar strain and insomnia due to a lack of STRs, need for additional examinations, and need for clarification on the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are denied. The AOJ is instructed to obtain VA treatment records, arrange for a new examination regarding obesity, and remand the remaining issues.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for increased ratings for right shoulder and right wrist disabilities. The reduction of a 50% rating to a 30% rating for service-connected Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is upheld, but the Veteran's appeal for an increased rating prior to July 25, 2016, and in excess of 30% thereafter, remains pending. The Board has also remanded two issues related to service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation, resulting in the grant of TDIU. The SMC based on loss of use claim is remanded for further consideration.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, finding that the evidence did not support a link between current symptoms and an in-service injury or disease.