Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claims for service connection for tinnitus, bilateral pes planus, a bilateral knee disability, and depressive disorder. The Veteran's current thoracolumbar spine scoliosis is considered a developmental disease for VA purposes; it manifested in service and is etiologically related to service.

The Veteran's initial claim for higher ratings for his degenerative changes and stenosis of the lumbar spine was denied. He is currently in receipt of a 40 percent rating since February 11, 2010.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was granted service connection based on a diagnosis within one year of discharge from active duty. The back disability and PTSD were both granted increased ratings.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a low back disorder. The Veteran's lay statements regarding in-service injury are considered, and it is more likely than not that his current low back disorder is related to his active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a right shoulder disorder, back disorder, bilateral knee disorder, bilateral hearing loss, allergies, heart disorder, acne, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD), have been denied as there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease that would support these claims.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is rated at 10 percent effective January 29, 2011. The other issues on appeal are not addressed as they were granted.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED to obtain outstanding VA and non-VA records relevant to his claims, including from Kenner Army Medical Clinic and Colonial Orthopaedics. The case will be readjudicated after all the evidence has been considered.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records, as well as providing the Veteran with appropriate VA examinations to assess his lumbar spine, left shoulder, and left wrist disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a low back disability and left shoulder disability due to new evidence received since the last final denial. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of a low back disorder and granted it, finding that new evidence supports a link between the Veteran's current condition and her military service.

The Veteran's appeals regarding the ratings for degenerative disc disease at L5-S1, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy have been withdrawn.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and residuals of a right foot injury. The claim for a headache disorder is pending.,Service connection was also granted for a chronic bilateral knee disability.

The Board found no evidence of a low back disorder during service and concluded that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his active duty service. As such, service connection for a low back disorder was denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining SSA records and updating the family income calculation.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral eye disorders and a lumbar spine disability, finding that the Veteran did not have current disabilities related to his service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a back disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The VA examiner found that the current back disorders are not related to service, while the claim for PTSD was also denied due to lack of credible supporting evidence.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spondylosis and degenerative disc disease were not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor can it be presumed to have been incurred therein. The claim was denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a psychiatric disability was denied. The ratings for lumbar spine DDD were not granted in excess of the assigned 10 percent prior to January 16, 2014 and 40 percent from that date. A compensable rating for residuals of right clavicle fracture and bilateral hearing loss was also denied. Prior to January 16, 2014, a TDIU rating was not granted.

The Veteran's current lumbar spine disability is not related to service, as there were no chronic symptoms of degenerative joint disease during or within one year after service. The Board finds that the Veteran did not experience continuous symptoms since service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.