Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine did not have its clinical onset in service and was not caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disorder did not begin during her active duty service or any period of ACDUTRA, and is not due to a service-connected condition. The evidence does not support a finding that her current back disorder was aggravated by her service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated records and scheduling VA examinations to address the etiology of various claimed conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a videoconference hearing due to his request for one.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar degenerative disc disease and acquired psychiatric disorder were not incurred or aggravated by service. The claim for residuals of spinal meningitis was reopened, but denied as new evidence did not establish a diagnosis in service.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn due to his desire to withdraw all remaining issues on appeal, including the effective date for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected low back disability warrants a rating of 40 percent since May 1, 2012. Prior to this date, the disability was rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's multiple non-service-connected disabilities, including hernias with progression to an intestinal fistula and arthritis of multiple joints, render her helpless or so nearly helpless that she requires the regular aid and attendance of another person for special monthly pension purposes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability is related to his service, specifically noting a leg length discrepancy and long marches during service which resulted in back pain. The continuity of symptomatology between service and post-service treatment supports this finding.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a new hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's low back disorder, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability related to an in-service injury. The claim was reopened based on new and material evidence submitted since the final denial, but the Board determined that the Veteran's low back disorder did not meet the criteria for service connection as it is not shown to be caused or aggravated by his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, stroke, DM, and peptic ulcer disease. The issues of reopening claims for bilateral hearing loss, vision disability, bilateral knee disabilities, and low back disability are also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU due to his service-connected lumbar strain disability, finding that he is not unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral arm disorder and low back disorder are not causally or etiologically related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her low back disability and left wrist CTS were denied by the Board, as there was no evidence of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes that would warrant higher ratings under the applicable rating criteria.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is service-connected, as it was caused by trauma sustained during his military service. The psychiatric disorder claim remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for his back disability is denied. The separate rating for radiculopathy of the lower right extremity remains unchanged.

The Board found that the Veteran's current back disorder did not begin during or for several decades after his active duty service, and was not otherwise related to service. The claim for hypertension was remanded due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board found that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disorder did not manifest within one year of service and was not caused or aggravated by an in-service injury, fall, or other incident.