Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board denied reopening the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a low back disorder (claimed as lumbar strain), and several other conditions. The evidence received since the September 1972 rating decision did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board found that the Appellant's low back disorder is not service-connected as it did not result from a pre-existing congenital defect of the spine (spina bifida occulta) during her period of active duty for training.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current low back disability did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and is not otherwise related to his active service. The evidence does not support a finding that it was caused by or permanently worsened by his service-connected right and left knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disorder is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected left ankle condition, and thus denied the claim.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a back disability. The Board has determined that the claim should be remanded to obtain inpatient treatment records and VA treatment records, including an MRI of the lumbosacral spine.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records and scheduling a VA joints examination to determine if any diagnosed back or knee condition is related to service or the service-connected lumbar spine condition.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating and whether the reduction in his disability rating was proper is being remanded due to outstanding private treatment records.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability and granted it. The claims for neck and lower back disabilities are pending, with new examinations and medical opinions required to determine their etiology.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his right knee disability was denied. Service connection for a lumbar spine disability, which is secondary to his service-connected right knee disabilities, was granted.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy have been granted increased ratings effective November 9, 2015. The lumbar spine is rated at 40 percent disabling, while the bilateral radiculopathies are each rated at 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records and inadequate VA examination opinions regarding the appellant's claimed left ankle disorder and back condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to the need for VA medical examinations and further review of the evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining payroll records and CME credits related to the appellant's service in the U.S. Army Reserves.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings under the applicable rating schedule.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and sciatica of the lower extremities have been rated as 20 percent and 10 percent disabling, respectively. The increased ratings are granted.

The Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities are being remanded for further development, including consideration of the continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left shoulder disabilities, as well as a thoracolumbar spine disability, are denied. The Board finds that there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to her active service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the claim of service connection for residuals, bilateral pes planus. Service connection was also denied for hypertension, right arm condition, conjunctivitis left eye, and rash of right upper thigh and leg.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral hip disability and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied. The back claim remains pending.