Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The case will be remanded to allow for these actions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the agency of original jurisdiction for additional development regarding his lumbosacral disability claim.

The Board has found that the Veteran's claimed conditions do not meet the criteria for service connection as they are unable to establish an in-service event, injury, or disease. The evidence does not support a finding of continuity of symptomatology.

The Veteran's appeal was granted, and he is currently rated at 30 percent for PTSD with adjustment disorder. The initial compensable rating of 10 percent for hemorrhoids has been granted. Service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and pulmonary disorder due to asbestos exposure have also been granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's disabilities did not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for Aid and Attendance of another person (A&A) or being housebound.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The issues of service connection for low back disorder, cervical spine disorder, and erectile dysfunction as secondary to a service-connected disability are inextricably intertwined with these matters.

The Board is remanding the claim for further development to address whether the Veteran's low back disorder is aggravated by his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities, and to obtain additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for further examination. The issues of service connection for low back disorders and bilateral feet conditions are being addressed.

The Board found the Veteran's April 28, 2010 substantive appeal was not timely filed and denied the appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected mechanical low back strain is manifested by pain and limited range of motion, but does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran does not have a back disability, right finger disability, respiratory disability, diabetes mellitus, or insomnia due to his service. His claims are denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination regarding his service-connected mechanical low back pain, as well as his TDIU claim. The issues of increased rating, temporary total evaluation, and TDIU are inextricably intertwined.

The Veteran's chronic low back strain was characterized by forward flexion greater than 60 degrees and a combined range of motion greater than 120 degrees prior to February 26, 2013. After that date, the disability was characterized by forward flexion to 30 degrees without ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining more recent VA outpatient records. The TDIU component of the claim will be readjudicated.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his left knee disability and service connection for a right knee disability and low back disability, finding that there was no evidence of in-service disease or injury resulting in these conditions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right hip condition and granted it, finding that there is at least as likely as not that his current lumbar spine condition is related to or aggravated by his service-connected right hip condition.,A supplemental examination was ordered to provide an opinion on whether the Veteran's lumbar spine condition is related to his military service.

The Board has scheduled the Veteran for a personal hearing but he failed to appear. The case is now remanded due to this failure.

The Veteran's initial ratings for his right shoulder and back disabilities were denied, with the right shoulder rated at 40 percent and the back disability rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but additional evidence is needed to determine if there are any connections between his current disabilities and his military service. The Veteran needs to provide more information about specific incidents in service that may be relevant.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine prior to December 1, 2011 is being remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records. The issue also includes whether a separate compensable evaluation for radiculopathy should be granted during this period.