Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability was first diagnosed during active service and has persisted since, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Board found that the July 2009 rating decision denying service connection for a low back condition was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous, as there was no current diagnosis of a chronic disability. The RO considered all relevant evidence and determined that service connection was not warranted.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection, including obtaining a new VA examination and opinions.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant before a decision was made.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for a low back disability and tooth fracture, but denied both on the merits. The Veteran's low back disability is not related to service, and his tinnitus is not shown to be related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disability. The issues of entitlement to service connection for a cerebrovascular accident (CVA/stroke) and ischemic heart disease are remanded due to the Veteran filing a timely notice of disagreement.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling an examination. The issues of entitlement to increased ratings for cervical spondylosis with degenerative disc disease and surgical scars from cervical diskectomy as well as service connection for TBI are also being addressed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is at least as likely as not aggravated by his service-connected right shoulder disorder, warranting service connection on a secondary basis.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection of a low back disorder. A new VA examination is required to determine the nature and likely etiology of his low back disability.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a low back disability. The Board finds insufficient evidence to decide the claim and has ordered further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, prior to January 13, 2012, have rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to his chronic low back strain with spondylosis and sciatica of the lower extremities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and review of relevant medical records.

The Board found that the Veteran's current back disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim. The prostate cancer claim is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the thoracic spine, finding that it more nearly approximates forward flexion to 40 degrees with pain.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The issue of service connection for a cervical spine disorder was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board found no evidence of a low back disability in service or within one year post-service, and the November 2012 VA opinion concluded that the Veteran's current low back disability is not related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability, which includes mechanical lumbar spine strain, lumbar spine multi-level degenerative facet disease, and thoracic spine strain with T7-8 disc protrusion, does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, which she claims is related to her service-connected left hip strain and right hip trochanteric bursitis. The appeal has been remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining medical records.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his back disability, claimed as lumbar strain, was denied by the RO. The Board found that there is no evidence showing limitation of motion or other symptomatology meeting a criterion for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.