Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disorder, including degenerative disc disease, a small focal disc herniation at L5-S1, degenerative arthritis, and lumbar strain/sprain, was not related to service. The preponderance of evidence is against finding any link between his current condition and military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and an addendum opinion regarding the lumbar spine disorder. The issues of service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and a psychiatric disorder (PTSD) are on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of additional medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of bilateral shin splints, bilateral shoulder disability, or low back disability. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's tinnitus is service connected. The right ankle and knee disabilities are being remanded for further examination, as the current opinions are based on inaccurate factual premises. The low back disability is also being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that there is not enough evidence to support the Veteran's claim of service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and thus the claim is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity preclude him from obtaining and maintaining any form of gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case to the AOJ for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling an examination. The Veteran's claim for service connection for Graves' disease is being addressed.

The Veteran's right ankle fracture with residuals and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine are service-connected as secondary to his service-connected shoulder disorder.,PTSD is granted, but due to a depressive disorder with anxiety features.

The Board has granted service connection for the low back disabilities, finding that the preexisting thoracolumbar scoliosis was aggravated by service.

The Board has found that the Veteran's diagnosed back disability and irritable bowel syndrome are incurred in service, with a finding of equipoise on whether they had their onset during service or are otherwise etiologically related to his active service. The issues regarding PTSD rating and service connection for back disability and IBS have been addressed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's osteoarthritis of the bilateral knees and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine were not incurred or aggravated by service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has granted the Veteran's motion for a new hearing and has remanded the case to schedule this hearing. The claim of service connection for a low back disability remains pending.

The appeal is being remanded to obtain and associate with the claims file the Veteran's complete service personnel records, as well as any ongoing treatment records. The VA will also provide the Veteran with a VA examination to determine the origins or etiology of all current psychiatric disorders, incontinence/chronic bladder disorder, left shoulder disability, left elbow disability, bilateral knee disabilities, and low back disability.

The Board found that the severance of service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine was not proper, as there was clear and unmistakable evidence that the Veteran's current condition did not manifest during his period of active duty.

The Veteran's neck disability was rated at 10 percent from January 25, 2011 to October 15, 2014 and at 30 percent thereafter. The appeal is granted for the higher rating.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed in this case, including obtaining updated VA medical records and service personnel records. The issues of service connection for a lumbar spine disability, nerve damage of the lower extremities, bilateral hearing loss, and right knee disability are being remanded pending completion of these tasks.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional service treatment records and for further examination regarding his cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, and foot disabilities. The issues of entitlement to service connection are pending.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition. The lumbar spine DJD claim remains pending as a new examination is needed due to potential aggravation by service-connected knee conditions.