Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board is remanding the case for additional development to obtain VA treatment records and any private medical records related to the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder, including those from his work injury in 2003. The claim will be reconsidered based on all evidence received.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the service connection claims related to low back, bilateral hip, bilateral knee, bilateral ankle, and right foot disabilities. As a result, the Board does not have jurisdiction to further consider these issues.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease, finding that the Veteran's current back pain is related to her in-service injuries. Service connection was denied for left ankle disorder due to lack of a causal link between the current condition and active service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted from February 13, 2015. Prior to that date, his service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment. From that date, the combined rating of 90 percent due to bilateral upper extremity neuropathy and cervical spine disability made a TDIU warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete records, the need for an addendum opinion regarding erectile dysfunction, and a need for a medical opinion on the severity of his right lower extremity neurological disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing at an appropriate RO, taking into consideration his request to have the hearing scheduled closer to his address.

The Veteran's cervical spine DJD and lumbar spine DOD are granted as secondary to his service-connected low back strain with spondylolisthesis, herniated nucleus pulposus, and radiculopathy. The issue of an increased disability rating for the low back strain is remanded.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back condition, sleep apnea, headaches, and TMJ. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's service treatment records do not show any cold injury residuals or degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The examiner found no evidence of cold injury residuals and stated that current symptoms are consistent with normal aging outcomes.,Degenerative disc disease was noted on examination for entry into service, but there is no indication in the STRs that it worsened during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current back disorder related to service and therefore denied his claim for service connection. The claims for headaches, right upper extremity neurological disorders, and right lower extremity neurological disorders are also denied.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, effective November 18, 2015. The Board found no evidence of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes meeting the criteria for a higher rating prior to that date. Ratings for his left and right elbow disabilities remain at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine is being remanded due to a need for an orthopedic examination.

The Veteran's service connection claims for cervical spine, lumbosacral spine, bilateral shoulder, upper extremity neurological disabilities (neuropathy), and lower extremity neurological disabilities have been denied as there is no evidence of chronic disability during or within one year after service separation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disorder is not related to his active service or period of ACDUTRA, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's low back disability was granted service connection and rated at a 10 percent rating prior to February 2, 2016.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left shoulder bursitis and arthritis, chronic lumbosacral strain, and bilateral hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for migraine headaches and asthma have been withdrawn.,Service connection has been granted for a low back disability, claimed as low back pain, and a right shoulder strain.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar osteoarthritis and irritable bowel syndrome have been reopened, but the claims are not granted. The effective date of any future grant will be determined based on when the claim was received.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as she withdrew her appeals for sleep apnea and right hand injury prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, including IVDS and degenerative arthritis, is being remanded due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of his current condition.