Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected cervical and lumbar spine disabilities prevented him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment from February 16, 2011 to April 24, 2013. The Board granted a total disability rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability (TDIU) during this period.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for additional VA examinations due to recent court decisions requiring more detailed examination reports.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical and lumbar spine disabilities prevented him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment from February 16, 2011 to April 24, 2013. The Board granted a total disability rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability (TDIU) during this period.

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

The Board has remanded the cases for further development to obtain records of treatment as a serviceman's dependent and for an opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back and right knee disabilities.

The Board has granted the petition to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a right knee disability. However, it denied the claims for left shoulder disability, cervical spine disability, and lumbar spine disability as there is no positive nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for a low back disability due to insufficient consideration of relevant medical evidence and assertions by the Veteran.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a back condition and denied it, finding that there is no evidence linking the current back condition to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran requires assistance with his activities of daily living due to his service-connected disabilities, and therefore grants special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for low back disorder and granted it, but denied the claim due to lack of evidence linking the condition to active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, headaches as secondary to hypertension, low back disability and bilateral knee disabilities due to aggravation during active duty training.

The Board has granted service connection for a back condition, finding that the Veteran's current back symptoms are related to his in-service injury. The left ankle disability claim was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or a link between service and present symptoms.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hip, lumbar spine, bilateral knee, and bilateral ankle disabilities due to inadequate VA examinations in December 2013 and June 2015. The Veteran must be provided with an additional VA examination to determine the etiology of any current disabilities and their relationship to his period of service or any service-connected disability.

The claim for an increased rating for thoracolumbar spine strain and degenerative changes, status post discectomy is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding the extent of functional loss during periods of flare-ups.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for neck disability, low back disability, right hip DJD with limitation of flexion, and left wrist fracture. The cases are remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional examinations and opinions to determine the nature, severity, and etiology of his lumbar spine and right knee disabilities, as well as any left knee disability. The issues include determining if the Veteran's service-connected conditions are causing or aggravating his current conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased rating and TDIU due to inadequate statements of reasons or bases, and insufficient consideration of his educational and occupational history. The case is being returned to obtain additional medical and vocational assessments.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, but denied service connection for a low back disability.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is being remanded to determine if it is distinct from his service-connected GERD.,Left and right sciatica conditions are also being remanded for clarification.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and TDIU due to issues with obtaining a statement from Dr. Stearns regarding the etiology of the Veteran's heart disability, which is currently under review.