Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The July 2004 rating decision denying service connection for a back disability was found to contain clear and unmistakable error, leading to its reversal.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed for the Veteran's left foot and back disabilities due to conflicting evidence in his service treatment records, as well as his testimony. The appeal will be remanded for these examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for migraine headaches and cervical spine degenerative disc disease with right-sided radiculopathy were denied as the evidence did not show symptoms warranting higher disability ratings.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication due to an inadequate August 2013 medical opinion regarding the Veteran's low back disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The appeal will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is a congenital defect and not service-connected, as there was no disease or injury during military service that resulted in an additional disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder and low back disabilities, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic disability related to active service or service-connected foot tendonitis.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current low back disability is at least as likely as not related to his active service, including a reported fall off a telephone pole. The evidence supports continuity of symptomatology since service separation.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for paravertebral muscle spasm of the lumbar spine prior to November 14, 2009 and since that date was denied. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and service. The claim will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for his left femur fracture with traumatic left hip arthritis or lumbosacral strain, including degenerative disc disease.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from being able to avoid the hazards or dangers incident to his daily environment without assistance, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as her conditions are not shown to be related to her military service, including service in the Persian Gulf. The appeal was reopened on new evidence.

The Veteran's right wrist/hand and lumbar spine disabilities are granted as secondary to her service-connected right shoulder bursitis and left knee/foot disabilities, respectively. She is currently rated at 30% for the right shoulder disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a new VA examination and proper notice regarding secondary service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied, with the exception of a noncompensable rating for left knee disability.

The Board has remanded the case for a Travel Board hearing and further development.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, myofascial pain syndrome, neurological disabilities of the right and left lower extremities, and depression. The Veteran's right ear hearing loss claim is remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative joint disease/degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA and SSA records.

The Board found that the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder, right hip disorder, left hip disorder, and right knee disorder were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The evidence indicated that these conditions pre-existed service and were not aggravated during service.