Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination and opinion to determine if the Veteran's low back disability is related to his active duty service, including his reported motor vehicle accident in January 1970. The Veteran will be provided with an appropriate VA examination.

The Veteran's low back disability has been rated as 20 percent disabling, but the VA examiner found that his symptoms warrant a higher rating of 40 percent due to muscle spasms severe enough to result in an abnormal gait and spinal contour.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is service-connected as it is more likely than not a result of an in-service injury.

The Veteran's knee and lumbar spine disabilities have not met the criteria for a higher disability rating under applicable VA regulations.

The Veteran seeks service connection for his low back disc disorder, which he claims is related to his service-connected right knee disability. The Board has determined that a new VA examination and opinion are needed to address the issue of secondary service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 40 percent for his service-connected myofascial pain syndrome with mild degenerative changes and mild disc bulges of the thoracolumbar spine is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records from SSA and VA, as well as a new examination.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and dislocated ribs have been dismissed due to withdrawal of the appeal by the Veteran.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the appellant's current low back disability and his in-service injury, concluding that the preponderance of the evidence is against the claim.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is secondary to his service-connected allergic rhinitis. The Board has granted this claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient medical evidence and the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease are found to be the cause of his death. The claim for an initial disability evaluation greater than 50 percent for a headache disorder is granted, with an effective date set at March 9, 2001.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the appellant's current low back disability and his in-service injury, concluding that the preponderance of the evidence is against the claim.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records from the Arizona Department of Corrections and considering any new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling an examination during a period of flare-up and obtaining a medical opinion regarding the cause of his stroke.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for DDD and DJD of the lumbar spine was denied as his condition did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disorder is not shown to be causally or etiologically related to his military service, and thus denies his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee and low back disabilities were not related to service, thus denying his claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability is the result of an in-service injury, and thus service connection for this condition is granted. The issue regarding left foot disability remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal of the issue of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been dismissed due to his withdrawal request.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and SSA disability decision records. The Veteran's lumbar spine claim must be adjudicated on the merits.