Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal for PTSD was withdrawn. The Board granted service connection for a low back disability and a bilateral leg condition as secondary to the low back disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left ankle disability, lumbar spine disability, or right knee disability. The evidence of record is against finding service connection for any of these conditions.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for lumbar mechanical fusion, which he claims is secondary to his service-connected bilateral pes planus. The Board has determined that a new examination is necessary to address the issue of whether the Veteran's nonservice-connected back disorder was aggravated by his service-connected bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing all claims.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction, hypertension, and a low back condition due to lack of evidence supporting these conditions were incurred in service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus in February 2008. The current appeal is about a hiatal hernia, back disability (lumbar spine arthritis), and bowel disability (irritable bowel syndrome and rectal bleeding). These claims are currently being evaluated.

The Board denied reopening the claim for service connection for a low back disorder and dismissed the request for an earlier effective date for SMC based on need for aid and attendance.,There is no evidence of record prior to April 30, 2013, indicating any intent by the Veteran to apply for increased ratings or SMC.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal regarding the initial compensable disability rating for service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease. The Board has dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance is denied as he does not meet the criteria of being helpless or so nearly helpless that he requires regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's current diagnoses of degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis) of the neck, back, fingers, knees and ankles are found to be related to his active service.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar sprain disability precludes substantially gainful employment, and the Board finds that he is entitled to a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of additional symptomatology during flare-ups.

The Veteran's low back disability was granted a 40 percent rating effective July 27, 2015. His left lower extremity radiculopathy and right knee instability were also granted ratings of 20 percent each effective the same date.

The Board has found that the Veteran's back disorder is not related to service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to inadequate examination reports and for additional development of his medical records.

The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 40 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability due to incomplete development of records and further evidence is needed.

The Board finds that the Veteran's consistent assertions of continuity of low back symptoms since service are credible and probative, and therefore grants service connection for a low back disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment since August 28, 2014. A TDIU rating is granted from that date.

The Veteran's low back disorder and PTSD with depression are not service-connected, but the VA has assigned a 70% evaluation for PTSD. The Veteran is not entitled to an increased rating as his PTSD does not meet criteria for a higher evaluation.