Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise on whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities contributed to his death, and grants service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional records and a VA examination.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's back disability. The claim is being returned to the RO for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability is related to his in-service injury, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lower back disability is etiologically related to his active service and grants service connection for this condition. The issue of bilateral hip disability will be addressed in a separate remand.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right leg disorder, back disorder, headaches, and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board found no evidence of a left shoulder disability during service and determined that the current left shoulder disability is not related to service. The hypertension, elbow, wrist, back, radiculopathy, erectile dysfunction, and psychiatric disabilities were also denied as not related to service.

The Board granted service connection for a back disorder and assigned a 30 percent disability rating. The Veteran's PTSD was also addressed, with the initial rating of 30 percent maintained prior to September 27, 2014, and increased to 50 percent thereafter.

The Board found that the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder and right foot disability are not related to service or his service-connected disabilities, thus denying both claims.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum medical opinion and ensuring that all claims are properly addressed.

The Veteran is found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities prior to June 16, 2009, and the Board grants TDIU effective from June 30, 2003.

The VA determined that the Veteran's current low back disorder is not related to his military service, specifically a period of Active Duty for Training (ACDUTRA) in 1965 when he allegedly injured his back while moving furniture. The Board found the Veteran's statements regarding this injury were inconsistent with other evidence and not credible.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to September 17, 2012. The Board granted a TDIU rating based on the combined disability rating of at least one disability rated as 40 percent or more.

The Veteran's lower back disability with erectile dysfunction is currently rated at 40 percent, effective April 7, 2016. The erectile dysfunction does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board determined that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the Veteran's previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for a low back disorder.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary in order to make a determination on the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus and a back disorder.

The Veteran's cervical spine DDD and bilateral plantar fasciitis with calcaneal spurs and right foot bursitis are rated at 10 percent, but no greater. The Veteran's right and left hallux valgus do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, is found to be related to her service. The low back condition is not shown to be causally related to service or presumed due to exposure.

The Board has ordered additional development due to inadequate medical opinions and the need for further evidence regarding service connection for back and right shoulder disabilities.

The Board denied an increased disability rating for the Veteran's cervical spine disability.