Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA and workers' compensation records, as well as a VA examination. The issues include increased ratings for low back strain and cervical strain, and TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle, right ankle and lumbar spine disabilities are being remanded due to inadequate examination reports. The examiner is requested to provide opinions on whether the service-connected right knee disability has aggravated these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient review of private treatment records and lay statements, and a need for an addendum from the August 2011 VA examiner.

The Veteran's service-connected herniated disc disease of the lumbar spine with status post-surgery at L5-S1 has been evaluated as 40 percent disabling prior to November 15, 2011. The Board finds that this evaluation is appropriate based on the evidence showing forward flexion greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees and no ankylosis.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been denied as the evidence does not show that his service-connected conditions warranted higher evaluations prior to July 8, 2003.

The Board found no evidence of a right hip disorder, left hip disorder, lumbar spine disorder, heart disorder (to include hypertension), or left lower extremity sciatica and numbness that were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disorder, other than SIJD, is aggravated by his service-connected right knee disability. The claim for a right hip disorder is remanded for additional development.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for low back and cervical spine disorders due to outstanding service hospital records and updated VA medical records. The case will be returned to the AMC for further development.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a low back disorder with spasms, finding that new and material evidence has been submitted. The cervical spine disorder is not related to active duty service or a service-connected disability. The Veteran's temporomandibular dysfunction, residuals of fractured mandible, is rated as 20 percent disabling since December 21, 2012.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability, diagnosed as degenerative joint and disc disease of the lumbar spine, is at least as likely as not related to his in-service injury. The evidence is in relative equipoise on this question.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to concerns about VA's compliance with its duty to assist in conjunction with the Veteran's incarceration.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is aggravated by his service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the impact of her service-connected disabilities on her ability to work.

The Board has determined that a low back disability, diagnosed as DJD of the lumbar spine, had its onset during service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided to reconsider the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for depression, anxiety, and a bilateral knee disorder. The new evidence submitted since the previous denial includes relevant official service department records not previously considered. As such, these claims are reopened. However, no new evidence was found that relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder or tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to his relocation and failure to report to scheduled VA examinations. The case is now pending again with the AMC.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete records and inadequate medical opinions. The Veteran's low back disability is being evaluated again with additional evidence and a thorough examination.

The Veteran's left foot plantar fasciitis was granted service connection, while his low back and left hip disabilities were denied. The effective date is not specified.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional development, including an examination and consideration of treatise evidence regarding vertebral compression fractures. The issues include service connection for a back disorder, depression, bilateral leg disorders, brain hemorrhage, PTSD, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

The Board found no evidence linking the appellant's current cervical and lumbar spine or right testicle removal disabilities to his military service, thus denying service connection for both conditions.