Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED for additional development.,The Veteran seeks service connection for a cervical spine disability, claimed as degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine. The AOJ must schedule him for a VA examination to determine whether his current cervical spine disability is related to an in-service injury during boot camp in 1974.,The Veteran claims service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, adjustment disorder, and PTSD. He also seeks service connection for cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, Parkinson's disease, hairy cell leukemia (secondary to herbicide exposure), a left ankle disability, a right leg disability, and a left leg disability.,The Veteran asserts entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability. The AOJ must schedule him for a VA examination to determine the current nature and severity of his thoracolumbar spine disability.,,,,,

The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and a VA examination. The Veteran's TDIU claim will also be considered on remand.

The Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and the Board denied his claim. The VA examination report is inadequate for adjudicative purposes regarding bilateral pes planus, asbestosis, and a back disability.

The Veteran's right knee and low back disabilities are related to his service-connected left knee, resulting in service connection being granted for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hip or back disability and finds that his hip and low back conditions are not related to his service-connected right ankle disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left lower extremity osteoarthritis and other joint conditions, have resulted in significant impairment that affects his ability to locomote without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair. The Board finds the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether he meets the criteria for a certificate of eligibility for financial assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his claims prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Veteran was granted service connection for degenerative joint disease, degenerative disc disease, and herniated discs of the lower back with a 40% evaluation effective May 15, 2007. The claim was reopened based on new and material evidence submitted after the August 2003 denial.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claim of service connection for his back disorder, concluding that the current condition is not causally related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed bilateral knee, foot, thoracolumbar spine, left hand injury, and headache disabilities were not incurred or aggravated during service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a VA examination to assess the current level of severity of her lumbosacral spine disability and associated radiculopathy. The issue of whether a higher schedular rating may be assigned must still be considered on the merits.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the lack of identification of an available VA medical facility for his service-connected bronchial asthma and other conditions. The case will be readjudicated based on this information.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine and lower extremity radiculopathy have been rated based on their current manifestations, with no higher initial ratings granted.

The Board granted service connection for erectile dysfunction and TDIU, but denied an earlier effective date and a compensable rating. The Veteran's combined disability rating was 70% prior to November 17, 2003.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's current lumbar spine disability, identified as lumbar spine DDD and DJD with stenotic changes. The decision resolves all doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a neck disability, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, low back disability, or bilateral knee disability that is related to her active military service.,VA examinations confirmed diagnoses of DDD and DJD in the cervical spine, lumbar spine, and knees. The VA examiners concluded that these disabilities are less likely than not incurred during service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected lumbosacral spine degenerative disc disease and to determine any functional limitations due to pain or medication.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of his current disability levels.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a low back disability and major depression, finding no new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen his previously denied claim. The Board also found that there was insufficient evidence to establish a direct relationship between the Veteran's depression and active service.