Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that the effective date for the grant of service connection for a low back disability is September 9, 2009.

The Veteran's residuals of a right medial tibial plateau stress fracture are proximately due to or the result of her service-connected left hip disorder, and therefore service connection is granted.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae is found to have had its onset during service and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran is granted service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae and a non-compensable rating for migraine headaches. The Veteran's right index finger disability with foreign body warrants a compensable rating of 30 percent, effective June 23, 2014. Service connection for lumbar spine strain with degenerative disc disease at L5-S1 is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder. The Veteran is entitled to an adequate VA examination and opinion that considers all relevant evidence, including service treatment records and the Veteran's testimony.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the Veteran with a VA examination to determine if his left ear hearing loss disability and low back disability are related to service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted from April 18, 2011 to July 12, 2013. The Board also dismissed the remaining claims for higher ratings and service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim of service connection for a low back disorder. The case is now remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling an examination.

The Board has determined that recovery of the overpayment in the amount of $31,525.27 is against equity and good conscience due to the Veteran's financial hardship and because considering his spouse's income would defeat the purpose of the VA pension program.

The Board has granted initial noncompensable ratings for the Veteran's right foot plantar fasciitis, left foot plantar fasciitis, and lumbar spine degenerative arthritis with spina bifida occulta.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability was denied as the evidence did not show ankylosis or incapacitating episodes meeting the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for low back and bilateral hip disabilities as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability. The effective date of this grant is February 19, 2015.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate examination and other issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disability, including degenerative disc disease and intervertebral disc disease of the lumbar spine, is not service-connected as it did not manifest during or within one year after his active duty service. The evidence does not support a finding of continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board has requested an outside medical opinion and is remanding the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran has a pars defect/fracture in his back, which could affect service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar strain remains before the Board after a previous denial. The Court has directed further development, including a new VA examination to address functional loss during flare-ups.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current neck, back, and rib cage/chest disabilities are not related to his active service or any service-connected disability. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and any missing documents from SSA benefits. The Veteran's claims will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disability is not related to a disease or injury in service and may not be presumed to be service-connected.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee and lumbar spine disabilities, diagnosed to include osteoarthritis. The Veteran's claims of entitlement to increased ratings for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and coronary artery disease are remanded.