Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability is not related to his service, specifically a motor vehicle accident in 2003. The weight of evidence does not support a finding that the current degenerative arthritis and degenerative disk disease are related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and denied his increased rating claims. The decision also addressed issues related to knee disabilities, including instability and limitation of motion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disorders, including arthritis, are not related to service and are not caused or aggravated by his service-connected left ankle disorder.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain was rated at 40 percent from April 7, 2012 to May 23, 2014. From May 24, 2014, the rating remains at 20 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a need for another videoconference hearing. The issues of increased evaluations for low back disability and radiculopathy are still under consideration.

The Board has remanded the case back for consistent proceedings due to a need for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the veteran's claimed right knee, lumbar spine, and right leg disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a videoconference hearing. The main issues are related to the rating of his lumbar degenerative joint disease and the effective date of service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, back disability, and neck disability are granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling VA examinations. The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a back disability, and a right leg disability are pending.

The Veteran seeks a TDIU rating based on his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bilateral knee and back conditions, headaches, and tinnitus. The Board has determined that additional medical opinion is needed to assess the impact of these disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was granted a temporary 100% evaluation from August 11, 2009 to November 1, 2009. The effective date for the 40% rating is set at March 31, 2009. Service connection for major depressive disorder has been established.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the issues of service connection for plantar fasciitis, increased ratings for cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder have all been dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and for further examinations of his service-connected traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic headaches.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disorder is related to his military service, including carrying heavy equipment and weapons. The remaining claims for other conditions are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional treatment records and a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to substantiate the Veteran's claims for service connection, including obtaining STRs and corroborating his account of events during active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran timely filed a VA Form 9 within 60 days of receiving the SOC, despite some procedural issues with his representation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and back disability with radiculopathy were not incurred or aggravated during his military service, and thus denied these claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disorder is related to her service, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right hip, knee, and ankle disabilities are secondary to his service-connected low back strain.,Service connection for these conditions is granted.