Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board finds that the Veteran's current lumbar, cervical, right knee, and right carpal tunnel syndrome disabilities are not related to his military service. The VA examiner concluded that these conditions did not originate during or as a result of his in-service motor vehicle accident.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to the Veteran's incarceration and inability to attend VA examinations. The issues on appeal are whether service connection should be granted for a low back disorder and a bilateral hip disorder, both claimed as secondary to service-connected bilateral hallux valgus and bilateral knee disabilities.

The Veteran's DDD of the thoracic and lumbar spine, with DJD of the lumbar spine, was not manifested by forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less; or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine; or symptomatology resulting in incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least four weeks but less than six weeks during a 12-month period. As such, the Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development of records from the Social Security Administration and VA medical facilities.

The Veteran's low back disability has been evaluated at 20 percent since October 23, 2007. The current evidence does not support an increase in the rating due to lack of limitation of motion or ankylosis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disability, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and status post partial discectomy, did not develop during service or within one year after discharge. The VA medical opinions indicate this condition is unrelated to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his incarceration and failure to appear for a Travel Board hearing. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his service-connected low back disability, including obtaining updated treatment records and arranging for a VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to schedule a video conference hearing as requested in his August 2009 VA Form 9. The RO must reschedule the Veteran for a hearing at his local RO using his most recent address of record.

The Veteran seeks service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, hearing loss, head trauma residuals, facial scars, neck disability, and low back disability. The appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to assess the nature and etiology of his claimed foot disabilities and lumbar spine disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, neck disability, bilateral hearing loss, headaches, and acquired psychiatric disability. The evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current low back disability is not related to his military service and therefore, denies service connection for a low back disability. The left ankle disability claim will be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD is granted. The issues of lumbosacral strain, right and left hip sprain, right and left knee arthritis, and bilateral pes planus are dismissed.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including a right arm and shoulder condition, neck condition, back condition, right wrist condition, and degenerative joint disease of the right knee. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, which was service-connected, contributed to his death from suspected pulmonary embolism. As a result, the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of his left shoulder and lumbar spine conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine strain and right hip degenerative changes are currently rated at 10 percent each, with no evidence of additional limitation or impairment warranting a higher rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and worker's compensation records. The Veteran's claim of service connection for a lumbar spine disability will be reconsidered.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disorder, including congenital fusion of T12 and L1, is being remanded due to the need for additional development. The examiner will be asked to provide opinions regarding the nature and etiology of any current low back disorders, whether they are related to service or pre-existing conditions.