Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board denied the service connection claim for a low back disability and did not address the TDIU claim as it was not related to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has found new and material evidence to reopen the claim of service connection for a low back disorder, which had been previously denied in December 2005. The Veteran's statements from Dr. E.D., M.D. have now been considered.

The Veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for shin splints of the right knee and service connection for a condition of the lumbosacral spine were denied. The Board found that there was no evidence to support higher ratings or service connection.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected low back disability and left lower extremity radiculopathy were denied. The effective date for the award of compensation for left lower extremity radiculopathy was not granted prior to August 28, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine is being remanded due to inadequate compliance with a previous Board remand. The case will be returned to the Board after further examination and consideration.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has been evaluated at 20 percent since June 1, 2007. The Board denied a higher rating for the disability beginning January 24, 2012.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability, diagnosed as degenerative joint/disc disease of the lumbar spine, is related to his military service and has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, fingernail and toenail disabilities, an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD), a neck disability, a back disability, bilateral knee disability, sinusitis, and skin disability are denied. The Veteran is granted service connection for flat feet.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability, including any incapacitating episodes and neurological manifestations. Updated treatment records are also needed.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current right elbow or low back disability, and the Veteran's reported injuries are not related to his service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a low back condition to include degenerative disc disease and spondylosis has been withdrawn by the appellant.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance was denied as he is not in need of regular aid and attendance by another individual.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability is not related to service and denied his claim for service connection. The right wrist and right knee disabilities are also denied as there is no clear evidence of their onset during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is related to his service-connected right gluteal shrapnel wound (MG XVII) with right foot neurological defect, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disorder, diagnosed as lumbar spine arthritis, is not related to his active military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar myofascial pain syndrome originated during her active service and is granted service connection. The psychiatric disorders (depression, PTSD, anxiety disorder) are not directly related to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher evaluations for his back and knee disabilities, nor did it establish a link between his hepatitis C and service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are sufficiently incapacitating to result in unemployability, and the Board grants TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a retrospective medical opinion regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine disability from March 13, 2008 to June 24, 2011.

The Veteran's low back pain with DJD is manifested by no more than slight limitation of motion, and the Board finds that a rating in excess of 10 percent is not warranted.