Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including vision disorder, low back disability, groin disability, bilateral hip disability, bilateral leg disability, bilateral ankle disability, and bilateral knee disability. The effective date of the grant of service connection for pes planus was set at February 24, 2009.

The Board found that the Veteran's current low back disability, arthritis of the spine, and degenerative joint and disc disease were not incurred in service or due to any incident therein. The evidence did not establish a nexus between his active duty service and these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbosacral strain and herniation of the nucleus pulposus, but the underlying issue of whether these conditions are related to service remains pending. The case is being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's T-8 compression fracture with residual thoracolumbar degenerative disc disease and lumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome is currently rated at 40 percent, which reflects the limitation of motion in flexion to 15 degrees. The rating remains unchanged as there are no additional factors warranting an extraschedular evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability was reopened and granted effective August 1, 2007. The appeal regarding increased evaluations for left lower extremity radiculopathy has been withdrawn and reinstated.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and arranging for a VA examination to assess the severity of his lumbar spine disorder.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back and neck disabilities did not manifest during or as a result of active military service, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's pre-existing low back disability was not aggravated by active service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including consideration of new evidence and a VA examination. The Veteran's service connection claims are being reviewed again to determine if he is entitled to benefits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is presumed to have been incurred in service due to his Vietnam-era exposure. The low back disability existed prior to service and was not aggravated by service. There is no evidence of a respiratory disability manifested by breathing problems during service or within one year post-service.

The Board has directed that the Veteran undergo an examination to determine if his pre-existing low back disorder was aggravated by service. The case is now remanded for this purpose.

The Board found that the Veteran's current thoracolumbar spine disorders did not manifest in service or within one year of service, and are not related to his period of active military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including an addendum opinion from a VA examiner to consider the Veteran's lay statements regarding his back symptoms and history.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current back disabilities, including lumbosacral strain and intervertebral disc syndrome with bilateral spinal nerve impairment to the lower extremities and penis, are related to his inservice injuries. As such, service connection is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability and residuals of a chest contusion were not incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability did not manifest during service and is not attributable to service. The medical opinion concluded it is less likely than not related to his in-service helicopter crash injuries.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left hip and leg disabilities are not service-connected as they did not manifest during or within one year after his military service, and there is no evidence linking them to an in-service injury. The disability was found to be due to natural aging processes.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate medical opinions and other procedural issues.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant, and no issues were raised for decision.