Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the assignment of a 40 percent evaluation for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, finding that it was factually ascertainable that the increase occurred on August 11, 2005.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and bipolar disorder) as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, including cervical spondylosis with degenerative disc disease, was first manifested in service and is therefore considered to have been incurred therein. The Board has granted the claim for service connection.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a back disability, finding that new and material evidence has been received. The Veteran's current diagnosis of DJD of the lumbar spine is presumed to be related to his in-service injury due to falling down stairs during service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder has been reopened, and he is now receiving a 100% rating for his bipolar disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD rating was reduced from 70% to 50%, but the Board found that this reduction was improper and restored the original 70% rating.

The Veteran withdrew the appeal for the issue of entitlement to service connection for a back disorder prior to its decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on this finding.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Parkinson's disease, herniated cervical disk, and herniated thoracolumbar disk are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional records from SSA, the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Schwartzman, Dr. Ford (Columbia Presbyterian Hospital), Dr. Waters, Dr. Depolo, and Dr. Rhee.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a current lower back disability and thus, service connection for this condition is denied. The VA examinations are needed to determine appropriate evaluations for PTSD, left shoulder separation with bursitis, and mild anterolisthesis of the cervical segment of the spine.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee and lumbar spine disabilities, including consideration of recent lay statements and medical opinions.

The Board has decided that the case should be remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling examinations and obtaining VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for a back disability. The Veteran's back disability is found to be related to his active service, including an in-service injury while participating in physical training (PT). Service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's low back disability and lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded for additional development as the August 2011 VA examination is not adequate to address his assertions of continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability. The Veteran served in Vietnam, presumptively exposed to herbicides. His current back disability is presumed due to his combat experience in Vietnam.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a VA examination. The issues include service connection for left knee disability, low back disability (secondary to left knee), and TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current back disorder or left foot disorder related to service. The claims for service connection of these conditions are therefore denied.