Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for lumbar strain was denied as his disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including increased evaluations for his lumbar spine disability and seborrheic dermatitis of the bilateral ears. The issues include entitlement to TDIU which is inextricably intertwined with these claims.

The Board denied service connection for chronic low back pain, neck disability as secondary to chronic low back pain, and cervical DDD displacement due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left hand disability, back disability, and depression have been denied. The claim for service connection for headaches has been granted. Service connection for the Veteran's erectile dysfunction associated with right orchiectomy remains noncompensable.,The Board found that new and material evidence had been presented to reopen claims for service connection for a left hand disability, back disability, and depression. However, the rating for the Veteran's erectile dysfunction associated with right orchiectomy remains unchanged.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for back disability, neurological disability, sleep apnea, and cardiomegaly due to new evidence received. The Veteran's PTSD rating remains under review.

The Veteran's lumbar sprain with degenerative changes was rated at 10 percent prior to October 12, 2010 and at 20 percent thereafter. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating in either period.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional VA examinations to assess the Veteran's cervical spine degenerative disc disease with osteoarthritis and any associated headaches.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence being added to the record, and the claim for a TDIU is now before the AOJ.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection, shortening of lower extremities, and foot disabilities due to additional development being required. The TDIU claim is inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination due to the Veteran's incarceration during the scheduled VA examinations. The issues include service connection for various psychiatric, musculoskeletal, and sexual function disorders, as well as a lumbar spine disability.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of Type II diabetes mellitus due to the Veteran's withdrawal. The remaining issues were remanded.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine status post surgery is rated at 40 percent effective November 22, 2010. The Veteran also received ratings for his sinus headaches and residual lumbar scar.

The case is being remanded due to non-compliance with previous Board directives regarding the rating for a low back disability. The Veteran needs to undergo another VA examination to determine the current severity of his condition, including testing in both active and passive motion.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's current back disability is related to his active military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional examinations and records to determine if a higher rating is warranted for low back strain.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's low back disability, left leg injury residuals, and right leg injury residuals. The appeal will be returned after compliance with appellate procedures.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for a low back condition and right knee condition. The claims are now remanded for further development.

The Veteran's back disorder is remanded for a VA examination to determine if it was caused or aggravated by his service-connected knee disorders.,The Veteran's left leg disorder (altered sensation, coldness, constant pain) related to service in the Persian Gulf is also remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand four issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for a left achilles tendon/left ankle condition, right shoulder condition, hemorrhoids, and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine. The decision also notes that verification of all periods of Active Duty Training (ACDUTRA) and Inactive Duty Training (INACDUTRA) is needed.

The Board has denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a low back disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service. The case is remanded for further examination and opinion.