Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, mood disorder, is related to his service-connected right knee disability, cervical spine disability, and right shoulder disability. The Board finds that the Veteran has a lumbar spine disorder and a skin disorder related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete examination reports and unclear medical opinions regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and right foot disability. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disorders cannot be granted as there is no credible evidence of an in-service injury or disease, and any current disabilities are not related to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, finding that no new and material evidence has been submitted since the previous denial in September 1962.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The appeals regarding tinnitus and hearing loss have been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected rebound headaches are rated as 10 percent disabling, but the Board finds that they do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating due to their nature and frequency.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his incarceration and the need for a video conference hearing.

The Board found that the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine did not have its onset in service and is not otherwise related to his active military service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has not met the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes, with or without consideration of pain and other symptoms.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's asthma, bilateral hearing loss, and low back disorder are not related to his military service. The psychiatric disorder is also denied as there was no evidence of a nexus between the condition and service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining verification of the Veteran's National Guard service and scheduling a VA examination to assess his lumbar spine disability. The TDIU claim is also being referred to the Director of Compensation and Pension Service.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings on his service-connected chronic low back strain with DDD, L2-3 and L4-5 was withdrawn. His claim for a compensable rating for dyshidrotic eczema and herpes simplex remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for mechanical low back pain with osteoarthritis of the thoracic spine was denied, as his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The claim for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound was also denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's current lumbar stenosis with spondylolisthesis did not manifest during or as a result of active military service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back, right knee, and right wrist disabilities are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint disease is granted. Service connection for residuals of head injury (TBI) and disability of the cervical spine are also granted, as well as service connection for sleep apnea secondary to PTSD or due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy claims remain pending.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for additional examinations.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for a back disability and bilateral hearing disability, finding new and material evidence. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (including PTSD, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and bilateral hearing loss) are found to be disabling enough to prevent him from securing or following any form of gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and providing the Veteran with new VA examinations to assess his service-connected disabilities. The appeal is not about service connection at all.