Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's bilateral hand arthritis is currently rated at 10 percent, effective December 14, 2007.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, finding that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen his previously denied claim.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen his claim of service connection for a neck injury. The other issues have been remanded for further development.

The Veteran's lumbar strain with spondylolysis and a herniated disc resulted in functional limitation of forward flexion to 45 degrees prior to December 4, 2015. Effective December 4, 2015, the disability was characterized by slight loss of sensation and diminishment of reflexes of the left lower extremity with moderate pain but without loss of muscle strength, range of motion, or coordination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's recurrent thoracolumbar spine strain and scoliosis were initially manifested during active service, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine the severity of the Veteran's back disability. The issue remains on appeal and will be reviewed again after further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, and the criteria for entitlement to TDIU have not been met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is etiologically related to his active military service, and thus grants service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA outpatient records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to assess his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for right foot arthritis and low back disability, as well as other conditions. The Veteran's claims were not supported by new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a back disorder, and service connection is granted. The Veteran's depressive disorder is found to be secondary to fibromyalgia. Service connection for fibromyalgia is also granted.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 40 percent effective April 13, 2009. Since July 9, 2013, the rating has been increased to 50 percent.

The Veteran's back disability is being remanded for additional development, including a VA spine examination to determine if it is related to service. Relevant medical records will also be requested.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including VA examinations to evaluate his low back disorder and bilateral SNHL.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for low back strain, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction. The Veteran's current hypertension is not service-connected as it did not manifest within one year of active service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability and tinnitus are service-connected as they both had their onset during his military service.

The Board has determined that the November 2011 rating decision is not final and requires further development before a determination can be made on the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable from performing all forms of substantially gainful employment that are consistent with his education and occupational experience.