Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for low back disability is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of additional evidence.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a low back disability, and finds that new and material evidence has been received. The Veteran's current low back symptoms are at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disorder, diagnosed as multi-level lumbar herniated discs with degenerative disc disease and spondylosis, is a continuing disease process of symptomatology manifested in service. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected lumbar strain, status post history of L2 compression fracture does not meet or approximate the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's cervical spine, lumbar spine, and right knee disabilities were not shown to be related to service.,VA has reviewed all available evidence and determined that the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that any current disability is due to service.

The Veteran's initial and increased ratings for low back disability prior to August 14, 2008 are denied as his range of motion did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. For periods on or after August 14, 2008, his radiculopathy is not manifested by moderate neuritis of the sciatic nerve.

The Board has determined that the VA did not fully comply with its remand directives and thus the claim must be returned for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain inpatient clinical records from the U.S. Naval Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida and sick bay records for his reported back pain during service. A VA examination will also be conducted to determine if any diagnosed low back disorder is related to military service or events therein.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding his employability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back, right knee, and left knee disabilities are not related to his active service. The evidence does not show a chronic disease in service or continuity of symptomatology since separation from service.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic low back condition in service and concluded that the Veteran's current low back disorder is not related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for a right ear hearing loss disability, low back disorder, and right hip disorder. The Veteran's current disabilities are not shown to be related to his active duty or the service-connected residuals of a shrapnel wound to the right buttock.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current neck disability is not related to his active service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder, finding no evidence of an in-service injury or medical nexus to the current condition. The Veteran's appeal was not successful.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's initial ratings for her service-connected back, right hip, and left arm disabilities have been denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations.,Specifically, the Veteran's lumbago (back condition) has not demonstrated limitation of motion or neurological impairment that would warrant an increased rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and providing the Veteran with a VA examination to assess his migraines and lumbosacral strain.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence on whether the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is proximately due or permanently increased in severity by his service-connected left ankle and right knee disabilities. The claim will be returned for further action.

The Board finds that the Veteran's lumbar strain does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code. The evidence shows no limitation of motion to 30 degrees, nor is there favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.