Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for chronic lumbar strain was denied as the evidence did not show that his disability warranted a higher rating than the current 20 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active duty service and is not related to any incident of active duty service. The current cervical spine disability is considered a direct result of post-service injuries, including motor vehicle accidents.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a VA examination with an orthopedist to determine the likely etiology and onset of the Veteran's current low back disorder.

The Veteran's appeal has been remanded for additional examinations and development. The issues of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, to include as due to exposure to an herbicidal agent, have been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatic steatosis due to contaminated water exposure at Camp Lejeune was denied. The VA examiner found no causal relationship between the Veteran's current liver condition and his in-service exposure.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of a low back disability and granted it, finding that there is sufficient evidence to relate the current condition to active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to scheduling issues and will handle it at the earliest available opportunity.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings were granted, with the right foot pes planus receiving a 10 percent rating prior to February 10, 2015 and a 20 percent rating thereafter. The lumbar spine disability received a 10 percent rating throughout the appeal period. The right hip disability also received a 10 percent rating.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for a back condition. The Veteran's current back disability is related to injuries sustained during periods of active duty training (ACDUTRA) in service, and the Board finds that service connection should be granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining a new VA examination for his left knee disability and issuing supplemental statements of the case addressing all issues on appeal.

The Board has received a request to withdraw the appeal, thus dismissing the case.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for further development, including a VA social and industrial examination.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound is REMANDED due to incomplete development. The AOJ needs to obtain additional medical records, conduct a VA examination, evaluate his nonservice-connected disabilities, and determine if he meets the requirements for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected patellofemoral syndrome of the left and right knees, as well as lumbar and thoracic musculotendinous strain, were denied. The Board found that there was no evidence showing that any of these conditions warranted a rating in excess of 10 percent or separate compensable evaluations.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder condition and bilateral hip disorder were also denied. The Board determined that the Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of a right shoulder condition related to his military service, nor was there evidence showing that any hip disorder was caused by or aggravated by a service-connected disability.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic left eye disability or low back disability due to service, and thus denied the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease, C6-7, results in limitation of motion to 15 degrees or less and is currently rated at 30 percent. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the service-connected cervical spine disability and bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy, effective August 1, 2014. SMC at the housebound rate is also granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional VA treatment records and providing a new VA medical examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is not related to his military service and denied the claim. The skin disorder was found less likely as caused by or aggravated by service, but further examination is needed.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral leg disability, right arm disability, hyperpigmented area of skin on right hand, and lumbosacral strain were not incurred in or due to his active service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings for depressive disorder and cervical spine disability prior to the Board's decision.