Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims, including an increased rating claim for his left knee disability and issues related to bilateral pes planus, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, cervical spine disability, and lumbar strain. The case will be remanded for further examination and consideration.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for DJD of the lumbar spine, left knee, and right knee were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations.,The claim for right lower extremity radiculopathy was also denied.

The Veteran's service connection claims for GERD, CFS, IBS, and sleep apnea are granted. The lumbar spine disability is also granted as in-service. No rating assigned.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and obtaining outstanding medical records. The issues of service connection for a back disorder, special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance, and TDIU are inextricably intertwined with the issue of service connection.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current lower back disability is etiologically related to his active service and grants service connection for a lower back disability.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for asbestosis. The heart disorder and lumbar spine disorder claims are remanded to obtain adequate VA medical opinions.

The Board found that new and material evidence was received to reopen the claim for service connection for DJD of the lumbar spine, and thus granted the reopening of the claim.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a low back disorder and granted it. Service connection is also established for diabetes mellitus and atrial fibrillation, both found to be related to service.

The Veteran's low back strain with herniated disc and nerve root impingement was rated at 20 percent from September 8, 2010 to June 19, 2014. The claim for a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating and TDIU have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim for acne, but did not address other issues.

The Veteran's hidradenitis suppurativa, low back condition and stomach condition (IBS) had their onset during service. The Board finds that the Veteran's conditions are related to her military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbosacral spine disability with IVDS and right shoulder disability, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating schedule.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 40 percent, effective March 1, 1977. The Board denied an evaluation in excess of this rating for the lumbar spine disability and denied service connection for bilateral knee disabilities as secondary to the lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant (through his representative) withdrew the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder tendonitis and rotator cuff tear, obstructive sleep apnea, and lumbar strain with DDD and bulging discs. The claim for a right knee disability was withdrawn by the Veteran during his hearing before the Board.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of low back disorder, left knee joint disorder, left leg/ankle disorder, and left knee scar as they were not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations to address his claimed conditions. The appeal will be remanded to allow for this development.

The Board has found that additional development is necessary for the claim on appeal, including obtaining service personnel records and treatment records from private doctors. A VA spine examination will be scheduled to determine the nature and etiology of all back disabilities present during the period of the current claim.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, including scoliosis, is rated at 20 percent effective August 6, 2012.