Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for evaluations of his psychiatric disorders, lumbar strain, right ring and little finger degenerative joint disease, left shoulder tendonitis, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, left ankle strain, and left foot plantar fasciitis from February 1, 2010 to September 6, 2011 were denied as the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his active service and have denied all claims for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim for further development, including obtaining updated VA Form 21-8940 and scheduling a new VA examination to assess the Veteran's employment capacity due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine if the Veteran's low back disorder is secondary to his service-connected right and left knee disabilities, as well as whether it had its onset during active duty. The examiner must provide opinions on these issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disability is not related to his active service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine conditions are not service-connected as there is no evidence of chronic disability in service or within one year thereafter. The VA examiner opined that the current spine conditions are less likely related to any event or spine condition noted in service.

The Veteran's low back disability, along with other service-connected conditions, rendered him unemployable starting from September 2002. The Board granted a TDIU effective April 2, 2003.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and established a credible continuity of low back symptoms dating back to his in-service injury. The Board finds that service connection is warranted for this condition.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current back disability, diagnosed as back strain and thoracolumbar spondylosis is related to a back injury during service. Therefore, the Board grants service connection for her lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine strain has been manifested by forward flexion to 90 degrees with frequent flare-ups of lumbar spine pain. Intervertebral disc syndrome or neurological manifestations including radiculopathy of the lower extremities have not been demonstrated.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disability, cervical spine disability, hepatitis, left knee disability and back disability. The decision found that new evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate any of these claims.

The Veteran's lichen planus is found to be service-connected due to exposure at Camp Lejeune.,Service connection for right knee disability, eye disability, and back disability remains pending as the issue was not fully developed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the relationship between his service-connected lumbar spine disability and any current knee disabilities. The earlier effective date claim will be adjudicated separately.

The Veteran's low back disorder, including as secondary to service-connected bilateral knee disability, has been granted service connection. The TDIU claim remains pending.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for higher ratings in several of his service-connected conditions, including hypertension, lumbar disc disease with narrowing at L5-S1, left knee arthritis with total knee arthroplasty, and right knee arthritis. The Board is dismissing these appeals due to the withdrawal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including prostate cancer and back and knee conditions, require regular aid and attendance of another person due to his inability to dress or undress himself, keep himself clean and presentable, attend to the wants of nature, and perform daily activities with coordination issues.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions including a lumbar spine disability, hemorrhoids, hernia, an acquired psychiatric disorder, left leg sciatic nerve damage, and bilateral hearing loss. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address these claims.,The Veteran seeks service connection for hemorrhoids. VA treatment records document current treatment for this condition. He also testified about having bloody stools in service. No opinion was provided regarding the relationship between his hemorrhoids and military service.,The Veteran seeks service connection for a hernia. VA treatment records document current treatment for this condition. He also testified about experiencing symptoms related to hemorrhoids such as bloody stools since discharge from service. No opinion was provided regarding the relationship between his hernia and military service.,The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including as secondary to tinnitus. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address these claims.,The Veteran seeks service connection for left leg sciatic nerve damage, which he contends is related to his lumbar spine disability. No opinion was provided regarding the relationship between his left leg sciatic nerve damage and military service or his lumbar spine disability.,The Veteran seeks a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. VA treatment records document current treatment for this condition. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address these claims.,The Veteran seeks TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. No opinion was provided regarding the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities are denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between his current conditions and his military service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for lumbar spine fusion, arthritis of the lumbar and cervical. The Board also found that he is entitled to a TDIU rating due to his service-connected PTSD.