Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's claim of service connection for a back disability will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate medical opinions and consideration of other issues raised by a Joint Motion.

The Board found no medical evidence to support a service connection claim for lumbar spine degenerative joint disease, as the Veteran's current condition is not related to his military service. The VA examiners provided opinions that the Veteran's back issues are less likely caused by or linked to his in-service motorcycle accident.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to February 19, 2009 was granted. The RO has already granted the Veteran a 40% rating for his lumbar spine disability effective from April 16, 2008.

The Board found no evidence of a low back injury or symptoms during service, and there is insufficient credible medical evidence to establish a connection between the current low back disability and military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for appropriate medical clarification due to deficiencies in the VA examinations and opinions provided.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for sleep apnea, hypertension, and lumbar spine disability. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his active service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn for the issues of entitlement to increased ratings for right knee disability, left knee disability, and bilateral hearing loss. The Board is remanding the remaining claims for further development.

The Veteran's appeals for increased initial ratings for degenerative disc disease, limitation of flexion of the left hip, and limitation of abduction of the left hip have been withdrawn.

The Veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates were withdrawn. The Board has granted service connection for spondylosis and mild degenerative spurring of the lumbosacral spine, as well as sleep apnea, both found to have onset in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and may not be presumed to have been so incurred or aggravated. The claim for tinnitus is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 60 percent disabling, the highest possible under the applicable rating criteria. The Board finds no basis to grant a higher evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including a VA examination and review of medical records.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection of a lumbar spine disability due to insufficient rationale in the medical opinions provided by his VA physician and the need for further examination.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is not rated higher than 40 percent due to lack of ankylosis and no incapacitating episodes. The claim for a TDIU was also denied as the service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were denied. His back disability was not found to warrant a rating in excess of 40 percent, his scar disability did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating, and his melanoma was not related to herbicide exposure or service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the nature and etiology of his right foot, low back, and right hip disorders. The AOJ will obtain any outstanding medical records and provide the Veteran with a VA examination to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding the relationship between his back disability and service as well as any potential secondary effects from his left ankle disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and review of treatment records.

The Board has ordered additional development due to outstanding VA treatment records and service personnel records. The Veteran's claims for service connection will be reconsidered after these records are obtained.