Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for hearing loss, chest pain, left and right knee disabilities, and PTSD. The evidence received since the June 2007 rating decision is new and material as it relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate these claims.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn with respect to the issues of entitlement to increased evaluations for healed right scaphoid fracture with residual pain and lumbar degenerative changes and strain.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to schedule a Travel Board hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after the scheduled hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of his DDD with lumbar spine strain and prostatitis, as well as whether his scoliosis is related to service or his service-connected back disability. The case will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and vocational rehabilitation records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back condition is related to his military service and has granted service connection for this condition. The issue of whether GERD is secondary to service-connected IBS remains under consideration.

The Board found that the Veteran's lumbosacral strain did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation, as there was no evidence of forward flexion to 30 degrees or less or favorable ankylosis. The current 20 percent rating adequately reflects his disability level and symptomatology.

The Board has granted service connection for a neck disability, right arm and headache/dizziness disabilities, back and right knee disabilities. The Veteran's bilateral hip, hand, and elbow disabilities are not service-connected.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a herniated lumbar disc with left foot numbness and weakness, to include as due to service-connected lumbosacral strain is being remanded for additional development. His claim for an increased rating for his lumbosacral strain is also being remanded.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection of bilateral knee and low back disabilities, as they are not related to his active duty or any service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine, bilateral knee, and bilateral ankle disabilities are related to service due to continuous symptoms since separation from active duty.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability has been manifested by subjective complaints of neck pain with objective findings of forward flexion to 40 degrees, which is considered slight limited motion. The disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is related to his in-service fall, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The right thigh numbness is also found to be secondary to his lumbar spine disability.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and found that the Veteran does not have any residuals of TBI. The claims for service connection for headaches, impairment of concentration and memory remain pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional treatment records and providing a supplemental opinion regarding the aggravation of hypertension by his service-connected anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing due to their impact on his ability to walk and use assistive devices.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is related to his service-connected right knee condition, and thus grants service connection for this condition.,While the gastrointestinal disorder (excluding duodenal ulcer) was not shown during service or within one year thereafter, it is considered secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right knee condition.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and discussion of functional loss.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inconsistencies in the examination opinions and the need for updated VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that an additional remand is necessary due to the need for further development and consideration of the Veteran's claims file, including obtaining addendum opinions from appropriate medical professionals.