Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's initial ratings for his lumbosacral spine and right knee disabilities were granted, but the rating for his lumbosacral spine was found to be inadequate.

The Veteran's claim for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation grant was denied as she does not meet the criteria for assistance due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left knee disability is not related to his active duty service, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran requested to withdraw all his appeals, and the Board has dismissed the appeal due to this request.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected degenerative disc disease lumbosacral spine and associated radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities are being remanded due to additional evidence received after the last Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC).

The Veteran's skin disorder first manifested during service and is related to his in-service exposure. The lower back disorder, including degenerative lumbar spine disease and recurrent herniated disc with radiculopathy, may be related to an in-service injury but the evidence does not support a finding of continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that it is secondary to his service-connected right and left knee disabilities. The decision also notes that reasonable doubt was resolved in favor of the Veteran.

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

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of his claims, including the issues related to headaches, thoracolumbar spine disability, bilateral hip disability, and peripheral nerve conditions. The increased rating claims for left knee and cervical spine disabilities are also part of this appeal.

The Board has determined that the criteria for service connection, a rating in excess of 10 percent for right patella tendon repair (knee), and a rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbosacral strain (back) have not been met during the period on appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability and found the reduction of VA compensation payments due to receipt of military drill pay was proper.

The Veteran's low back disability, diagnosed as degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, was found to be manifested by forward flexion limited to 40 degrees with pain. The examiner did not find any evidence of favorable or unfavorable ankylosis, intervertebral disc disease, or muscle spasm. As such, a rating in excess of 20 percent prior to March 4, 2013, for the lumbar spine disability was denied.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have qualifying service to establish veteran status for the periods of November 1981, 1991, and the summer of 1992. Therefore, his claim for a low back disability is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to an unforeseeable transportation issue preventing the scheduled videoconference hearing. The case will be rescheduled for a new hearing.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected lumbar strain disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and updated treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed disabilities are not service-connected as they did not manifest during or within one year after his period of active duty and are not related to any incident in service.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a low back disability and found that new evidence submitted by the Veteran relates to his current condition, which is now diagnosed as arthrosis and intervertebral disc syndrome. The examiner opined that the current back disability is less likely than not incurred in or caused by an injury during service.

The Veteran's sleep disorder is attributed to his service-connected PTSD, and he does not have a separate diagnosed sleep disorder. His lumbar spine disability is currently rated as 20 percent disabling due to forward flexion limited to more than 30 degrees but less than 60 degrees.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including an updated VA examination and obtaining any updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability and PTSD. The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's current back condition and considering his post-service employment history.