Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's service connection claim for tinnitus was denied as the evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating his claim. The maximum schedular rating has been assigned.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions render him in need of regular aid and attendance, with the exception of his diabetic neuropathy which does not require it.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 20 percent, and there is no evidence of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hip, back, hearing loss, tinnitus, headache, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, or left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy disability for which service connection can be granted. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability and secondary service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression) in the March 2009 decision. The Veteran's claims were not reopened.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the underlying claims for service connection can be adjudicated on the merits.

The Board has granted service connection for back disability and hypertension, but the appeal for removal of a cancerous mass in the throat was withdrawn by the Veteran. The heart disorder claim remains pending.

The Board has granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and found that the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is related to his military service. The claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine remains pending.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is rated at the highest possible evaluation of 70 percent, effective from November 22, 2013. The left leg disability and back disability are both evaluated based on their respective service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for dermatitis, right lower leg was denied as he does not have a current diagnosis of this condition. The claims for increased ratings for the lumbar spine and prostatitis are pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and a VA examination to address the etiology of the Veteran's back disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and any claims documents related to hypertension submitted in 1982 or 1983. The Veteran's claim for service connection will be reconsidered based on the newly obtained evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further examination and development due to inadequate opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder, including his post-service treatment records and SSA records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine disability and neurological symptoms in the right lower extremity were denied as there is no evidence of more than a 10 percent disability rating being warranted.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development of evidence, including obtaining records from a hospitalization in 1995 and any relevant VA treatment records. The Veteran's low back disability will be examined by an orthopedic surgeon to determine if it was present during service or is related to his current condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's low back and right shoulder disorders, requiring further examination and review.

An initial rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is not warranted.,For radiculopathy of the right lower extremity and left lower extremity, an initial rating in excess of 10 percent is not warranted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and post-service medical records. The Veteran's claims for service connection will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated VA examinations and additional medical records. The issues of entitlement to higher ratings for his right shoulder, left shoulder, and low back disabilities are on appeal.