Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that service connection for a low back disability, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, is granted as there is evidence of current disability and in-service injury with no indication of an intervening cause.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation since August 1, 2008.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected low back disability was denied. The current rating of 40 percent is maintained.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current right ear hearing loss or sinusitis disabilities for VA compensation purposes. For his low back disability, the Board finds that service connection is not warranted as there is no evidence of a chronic condition in service and the medical opinion indicates it is less likely than not related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied service connection for this condition. The bilateral hip disabilities were also denied as there was no evidence of a chronic disability during service.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical and thoracic spine disability has been rated at 30 percent since March 2009, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they do not meet the criteria for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing on his claims of service connection and tinnitus rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disorder and whether it is related to his service-connected left knee osteoarthritis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back condition, including as secondary to his service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's low back disorder and residuals of a head injury are found to be related to service, resulting in the grant of service connection for both conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left leg restless leg syndrome is related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition. The decision on the back disorder issue remains pending as it was denied in an August 2014 rating decision.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain and right lower extremity radiculopathy have been rated at 20 percent since March 13, 2013.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and temporary total evaluations due to his right ankle surgeries have been granted. The initial evaluation for the right ankle sprain remains at 20%.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for a service-connected lumbar spine disorder was dismissed due to the Veteran and her representative withdrawing the appeal. The issue of service connection for a cervical spine disorder, to include as secondary to a service-connected lumbar spine disorder, is remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claims for migraines, left ankle disability, back disability, and bilateral knee disabilities have been granted. The claim for PTSD has not been reopened.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his heart disability and its relationship to service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a hearing before the Board at the RO.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including issuance of a supplemental statement of the case and obtaining an addendum opinion regarding service connection for a right knee disability. A new VA examination is also required to assess the current severity of his lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical services rendered at OSUMC on February 10, 2010 is denied as the treatment did not meet the criteria for a 'medical emergency' under VA regulations.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder was caused by radiation treatment for his service-connected testicular cancer, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.