Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran seeks an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for the service-connected DDD of the lumbar spine. The VA Compensation & Pension examination reports from June 2010 and February 2014 do not accurately reflect the severity of his low back pain, as noted by the Veteran's wife at a hearing.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including a back disorder, splenectomy, collapsed lung, left shoulder disorder, pelvis fracture, nerve damage of the neck, and nerve damage of the right hip. The decision found that there was insufficient evidence to establish a link between these disorders and her military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for neurological disabilities of the upper and lower extremities, as well as PTSD, were denied. The Board found no evidence to support these claims.

The Board has determined that the VA examination is inadequate and additional evidence is needed, including an addendum opinion addressing whether the Veteran's sleep apnea was caused or aggravated by his service-connected conditions. The RO must also attempt to obtain records from Mercy Hospital related to the Veteran's sleep apnea.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claims can be decided on their merits.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a low back disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records from his treatment providers since separation from active duty.

The Board found that the Veteran's current back condition was not incurred in service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed back disability is not related to his military service and denied his claim.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic back disability during service or within one year after separation, and the Veteran's current back disability is not etiologically related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to incomplete records and requests for private medical records.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant, and no jurisdiction remains for further action.

The Veteran's low back disorder has been rated at 40 percent since August 22, 2013. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted for any period.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a spine examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current thoracic spine disability, including degenerative disc disease, is the result of a disease or injury in active military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability, diagnosed as mild degenerative arthritis to L5-S1 with small to moderate disc protrusion, is related to his active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's low back syndrome is rated at 40 percent since April 15, 2010. The Board granted a TDIU based on the combined effect of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating higher than 20 percent for chronic lumbar strain was granted, with a current rating of 20 percent.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds no evidence of additional functional impairment or other manifestations warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete development of records and the need for a Travel Board hearing.

The Board found that the appellant's low back disability did not manifest during his period of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) and is not related to such service, thus denying service connection.