Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an initial disability rating in excess of the assigned ratings.

The Board found that the Veteran's current back disability did not originate in service or until many years thereafter, and is not otherwise related to service. As a result, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is a result of disease or injury incurred during active military service, and therefore grants service connection for lumbar arthritis and DDD.

The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 10 percent prior to January 28, 2013 and at 20 percent since then. The appeal is denied as the disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is necessary to address the nature and etiology of the Appellant's current lumbar spine and right knee disorders. The case is being remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded for additional examinations and development of his service-connected disabilities, including the effects on his employment. The RO must also adjudicate any increased rating claims related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic back disability in service, and denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for his current back disability, heart disability, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a hearing before a third Veterans Law Judge who will participate in the panel decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing service treatment records and requests for additional examination reports.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's neck, back, and bilateral knee disabilities did not have their onset during active service or within one year thereafter, and are not causally related to service. As a result, the claims for service connection for these conditions are denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is not related to service and denied his claim.

The Board found no evidence of a right foot disorder other than the fractures to the 3rd and 4th toes, nor any arthritis in the lumbar spine, hips, or knees, that was incurred during active service. The Veteran's statements regarding continuity of symptoms were not supported by medical evidence.

The Board found that the Veteran's current low back, upper back, and neck disabilities are not attributable to service or his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic lumbar spine disorder in service or for many years thereafter, and the medical opinion did not support a connection between the current condition and service. The claim is denied.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his service-connected cervical spine disability was granted, and he is currently rated at 20 percent effective October 11, 2006.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim for service connection. The issue of an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD remains on appeal.

The Board found that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disability is not attributable to a period of military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and finds that new and material evidence has been received. The claim will be further adjudicated by the RO.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 40 percent for service-connected diabetes mellitus, effective from June 17, 2013. The Veteran's DM now requires insulin, a restricted diet, and regulation of activities.

The Veteran's death was not service-connected, as he had been receiving a total disability rating based on individual unemployability for over ten years prior to his death.