Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran's chronic low back disability was not incurred in service and denied his claim.

The Board has granted the Veteran's applications to reopen service connection for hypertension, left Achilles tendon disorder, right knee disorder, diabetes mellitus, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), and low back disorder. The claims are now pending on their merits.

Service connection is granted for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, as well as degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.,The Veteran's eye disorder and right thumb disorder claims are pending and require further examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back, right shoulder, right hip, and left hip disabilities as secondary to her service-connected left knee disability. The Veteran was provided with a VA examination to assess the current severity of her left knee disability.,VA is required to obtain all relevant treatment records from VA and any identified private providers.

The Veteran's service-connected status post lumbar strain with degenerative changes is rated at 10 percent, reflecting his current range of motion and lack of incapacitating episodes.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a bilateral knee disability was withdrawn. The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for hypertension, effective from the date of the claim.

The Board found that the appellant was not permanently incapable of self-support prior to attaining age 18, and thus denied his claim for DIC benefits based on permanent incapacity for self-support.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of records.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disorder, but denied service connection for shin splints of the lower extremities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied. The Board is unable to establish a link between the Veteran's current disabilities and her military service, including exposure to noise during service. For the low back disability and loss of teeth issues, further development is needed as there are insufficient records in the file.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and granted it, finding that there is relative equipoise in the evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current condition is related to his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, back disability, upper and lower extremity disorders, loss of balance, memory loss, stroke residuals, abdominal aortic aneurysm, cancer of the face (basal cell carcinoma), and duodenal or pancreatic tumor. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain medical records and the case will be returned for further action.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability began in service and has persisted since then, granting service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for myofascial lumbar syndrome, PTSD, and irritable bowel syndrome have been granted. The diagnoses of these conditions are supported by medical evidence, and the criteria for direct service connection have been met.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Board hearing before a Veterans Law Judge sitting at the RO.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and special monthly compensation are denied as there is no evidence of a formal or informal claim received prior to December 31, 2010.

The Board has determined that the appellant's service dates need clarification and additional medical examinations are required to determine if his current disabilities were incurred or aggravated during periods of active duty, inactive duty training (INACDUTRA), or reserve component service. The appeal is being remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected back disability and bilateral knee conditions.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any right hand and low back disabilities present, as well as whether they began during or are causally related to service. The Veteran's lay testimony regarding in-service injuries will be considered.