Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is mixed, with some issues granted and others not. Service connection for chemical sensitivities, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory disorder, IBS, and low back disorder are granted on a presumptive basis due to Gulf War exposure. Other service connection claims remain pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability is secondary to his service-connected left knee disability, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, with a residual scar, is rated at 20 percent prior to July 20, 2017. The rating has not changed since it was initially assigned in April 2010.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for a back disability, finding that there is no evidence showing the condition had its onset in service or was caused by any incident during service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, effective prior to November 15, 2017. The appeal was granted as new and material evidence was submitted for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of June 28, 2017.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a lower back condition and right knee condition, finding no evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left hip degenerative arthritis and lumbar strain, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his knees, shoulder, and back conditions, contributed to the cause of death due to pulmonary thromboembolism.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issue of service connection for ingrown toenails. The Board has dismissed this issue.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, finding that the evidence did not support a link between the Veteran's current condition and his military service.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed low back disability, as well as whether it is related to service. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's service-connected thoracolumbaric spondylosis with myofascial pain, arthritis of the right hip, and tendonitis of the left hip have been granted increased disability ratings. The current effective date is not specified.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine disability and back disability. The issue of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss is REMANDED.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for lumbar strain with degenerative disc and facet joint hypertrophy is denied as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or physician-prescribed bedrest.,The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for status post osteotomies of the bilateral submandibular areas with TMJ instability is denied as his inter-incisal range of motion has not been shown to be limited to 0-10 mm.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for reopening service connection for left knee, low back, and right hip disabilities due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's claims for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, as well as sleep apnea, seizure disorder, acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD and depression), left leg disability, and right ear hearing loss have been denied due to lack of evidence establishing service connection.,Service connection has not been established for any of the conditions listed.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection of various disabilities, including back disability, bilateral knee disability, bilateral hip disability, right foot toe disability, peripheral neuropathy, depressive disorder, and bilateral hearing loss. The case is now remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining updated VA examinations and ensuring compliance with all notice and assistance requirements. The TDIU claim must also be remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the rating issue.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a more recent VA examination and additional development of his claims, including for TDIU.