Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a bulging disc and arthritis in the lumbar spine status post lammectomy with fusion and burr removal, finding that new and material evidence had not been received. The right knee condition and bilateral hip condition claims were also denied.,There is no credible evidence of record indicating any current right knee or bilateral hip conditions related to military service.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as the evidence does not support an extension of a temporary total rating beyond April 30, 2009.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected duodenal ulcer disease substantially contributed to his death, and thus grants service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and workers' compensation records. The Veteran's claims will be reconsidered after these records are obtained.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left hip disability is secondary to his service-connected left knee disability and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for sleep apnea, low back disability, and neck disability are being remanded due to insufficient evidence in the record. The VA will schedule him for examinations to determine if his conditions began during service or are related to any incident of service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current lower back condition is not related to his service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine condition and headaches are service-connected, with both conditions manifesting shortly after his separation from active duty.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, including DDD with spondylolisthesis and spina bifida occulta, is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary in order to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining updated treatment records and arranging for VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for clarification of the nature and extent of any neurological disability affecting the Veteran's lower extremities, including peripheral neuropathy, sciatica, and/or radiculopathy. The appeal will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a bilateral calf disorder or right knee disorder, and therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied. The remaining issues of secondary service connection are inextricably intertwined with the pes planus claim.

The Board found that the Veteran's chronic low back disability was not incurred or aggravated by his active service. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that his current low back disorder is related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a back or neck disability that is related to his military service and thus denied both claims.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was granted, with a current rating of 20 percent effective from March 26, 2009. The decision also noted separate ratings for incomplete paralysis of both lower extremities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back and bilateral knee disabilities are not related to service, and therefore, denied his claims for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and adjudication due to a prior decision being vacated by the Court. The Veteran's claim will be returned to the VA examiner who conducted the February 2010 VA spine examination for an addendum opinion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back and neck conditions are not related to his service, and therefore denied his claims for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and requests for additional development. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability is pending.