Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain disability is rated at 10 percent since the beginning of the appeal period, and his left shoulder disability is also rated at 10 percent. Both conditions are considered to be service-connected based on direct evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination and the provision of updated medical records. The issues of increased evaluation for lumbar spine disability and TDIU are inextricably intertwined.

The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 40 percent, effective December 1, 2010. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the bilateral hips, knees, and wrists, and his left shoulder, as well as his disc disease of the cervical and lumbar spine with stenosis are attributable to his active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder is related to his active service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a VA examination to determine if his service-connected disabilities preclude obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's urinary and fecal incontinence is at least as likely as not aggravated by his service-connected spine disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine disability and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, finding no evidence of an in-service injury or disease that could be linked to the current condition. The other issues on appeal were not addressed.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by service, as there was no evidence of a pre-existing condition in service. The current conditions are attributed to normal wear and tear over the years.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine, left knee, and right knee disabilities were not incurred or aggravated during his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to procedural errors and to obtain a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's back disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities are not related to his military service, as there is no credible evidence of an in-service injury or disease. The VA examiners found no connection between the current disabilities and any events during service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease is currently rated at 40% and his right chondromalacia patella and left chondromalacia patella are each rated at 10%. The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether a higher rating for either condition is warranted.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 10 percent prior to September 28, 2010. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current headaches and lumbar disc disease are not related to his military service. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and VA treatment records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling VA examinations and obtaining additional evidence. The Veteran's claims for service connection will be reconsidered based on the new information.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of records.