Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The appeal of entitlement to a rating greater than 40 percent for degenerative changes of the lower thoracolumbar spine is dismissed. The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hip disability, right ear hearing loss, and nerve impairment in the lower extremities are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for low back disability and in excess of 20 percent for right lower extremity radiculopathy due to a lack of recent medical examination records and treatment.

This decision dismisses the Veteran's appeals for service connection of gout and evaluations in excess of 40 percent for chronic low back pain with degenerative disc disease, left lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy, and right lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy. The effective dates for the grant of service connection for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy are set as July 23, 2003.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied for type II diabetes mellitus, hearing loss, tinnitus, lumbar spine disability, peripheral vascular disease, varicose veins, phlebitis/thrombophlebitis, embolism/thrombosis, proteinuria, impotence, and a skin disorder. The Board found that the evidence did not establish service connection for any of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating and TDIU due to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA examination, and all outstanding records must be obtained.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been dismissed due to his death. The claim for malignant mesothelioma has been remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disability. The Veteran is seeking service connection for a low back disability, but an adequate VA examination is needed to determine if his current condition is related to his military service.

The Veteran's initial claims for increased ratings for cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating.,The Veteran was granted TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is not service connected, as there is no evidence of a nexus between his in-service injury and his current condition. The preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding of service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, leading to the grant of a TDIU. The Board also remanded several issues for further evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for left ankle disability and remanded the issues of service connection for psychiatric disabilities (including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depression) and low back disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient information about the Veteran's service periods and a need for a VA examination to determine if the back disorder is related to active duty or any qualifying Reserve service.

The Veteran's claim for residuals from rib resection surgery was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. Service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and prostate disorder were denied as there is no link between these conditions and the Veteran's active service. The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder remains under remand for further examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for right shoulder impingement with bicipital tendonitis, left forearm disability, and back condition. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board has granted service connection for herniated disc and right radiculopathy, as well as residuals of right shoulder surgery. The Veteran's GERD is rated at 30 percent.,The issues of entitlement to increased ratings for bilateral plantar fasciitis, left knee strain with patellar osteophyte formation, and a left ankle disability are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for DDD of the thoracolumbar spine and sleep apnea have been denied. The Board found no evidence of a back injury or disease during service, and the current diagnoses are not related to service.

The Board affirms the grant of a clothing allowance for a back brace used by the Veteran for his service-connected back disability, but denies the claims for topical cream and TENS unit.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar degenerative disc disease is related to an injury he sustained during his active duty service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded two issues: increased ratings for lumbosacral degenerative disc disease and associated radiculopathy, as well as a TDIU claim. The Veteran needs to provide updated private treatment records and undergo VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding records and a need for updated examination following the appellant's upcoming back surgery.