Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's current back disability and his military service, concluding that it is more likely due to natural aging.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral allergic conjunctivitis and blepharitis, finding that the Veteran's current eye conditions had their onset in service. The remaining issues of service connection for a bilateral shoulder condition, neck condition, back condition, and other eye conditions are still pending.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and a right knee disorder, finding that there was no medical evidence linking these conditions to the appellant's military service.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disorder with osteoporosis, concluding that the Veteran's current conditions were not related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a DRO hearing on his increased rating claim and a Board hearing on all remaining issues.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and for increased ratings for tinea pedis and onychomycosis, finding that there was no evidence of chronicity within one year after separation from service and insufficient medical evidence to support a nexus between current disabilities and military service.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities were found to have their onset during active service, and he is currently assigned a non-compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. The psychiatric disability claim was broadened to include PTSD, adjustment disorder with anxiety, and depression.

The Board has determined that an additional VA examination and medical opinion are needed to determine the nature and etiology of any back disorder. The Veteran's claim for service connection is also being remanded.

From July 15, 2009 to June 25, 2012, the Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease lumbar spine was manifested by flexion limited to 30 degrees. Prior to this period and after it, the disability level did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran has withdrawn all his appeals, including those for increased ratings for various conditions and disabilities. The Board is dismissing the appeals as moot.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 60 percent, effective from the date of his claim. The service-connected anxiety disorder has been found to be aggravated by his other disabilities and he meets criteria for a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability, diagnosed as degenerative disc disease, was incurred in service and is granted service connection.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal regarding the issue of service connection for a low back condition.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for a cervical spine disability and granted it. The lumbar spine issue remains pending.

The Veteran's service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease prior to April 17, 2014 was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is service connected as it began in service and persists.,The Board has also determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability is service connected as it began in service and persists.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate August 2010 VA examination and a need for further development of the record.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbago, claimed as a low back disorder, is caused or permanently worsened by his service-connected bilateral patellofemoral syndrome. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable, as he has been employed in various positions during the appeal period.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disability and low back disability are being remanded due to incomplete development. The VA will obtain clarification of inadequate medical opinions, consider lay evidence regarding asbestos exposure, and provide rationale explaining the etiology of any diagnosed conditions.