Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his service-connected low back strain is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and development of medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, lumbar herniated disk, left tibia and fibula fracture with chronic knee strain, and right quadriceps tendon repair, are found to be so severe that they prevent the Veteran from securing or maintaining any form of substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational background.

The Board has remanded the case for another VA examination to address whether the Veteran's upper back disability is related to his service-connected lumbar degenerative disc disease with chronic lower back pain or other service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at a maximum of 60 percent since April 29, 2002. His cervical spine disability is rated at a maximum of 30 percent since April 29, 2002. Effective November 29, 2002, the Veteran has been granted TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment for the period prior to January 28, 2011.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple conditions and issues, including PTSD, depression disorder, anxiety disorder, TBI residuals, low back disorder, dental trauma, loss of sense of smell, and a claim for TDIU. The case is being remanded to reschedule the Veteran for a videoconference hearing.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for various lower extremity and hip disorders, including as secondary to his service-connected left foot and ankle disabilities. The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the current diagnoses of all claimed conditions and their relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for an examination and additional development of records.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to verify the Veteran's service periods and obtain relevant medical records. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Board has remanded the claims due to insufficient evidence and need for further development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is related to his service-connected lumbosacral myositis, and the Board finds that he has PTSD due to a stressor from an in-service accident. The right leg lumbar radiculopathy is not shown to be caused or aggravated by the service-connected lumbosacral myositis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to obtain STRs, provide VA examinations, and review the medical history of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including verification of service dates and treatment records related to his ankle injury in 1982. He also needs a VA examination to determine the relationship between any current left ankle and leg conditions and his military service.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for a bilateral eye disability, hay fever, cellulitis of the face and fungus infection of the left foot. The Veteran's current assertions as to continuity of symptomatology since service raises a question as to whether his current disabilities are related to military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records from New York Presbyterian Hospital and its affiliates. The Veteran's claims regarding service connection for low back disability and acquired psychiatric disability (claimed as schizophrenia) will be reconsidered after this information is obtained.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing at the RO. The issues include initial ratings for hypertension, lumbar strain, and PTSD with major depression, as well as TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for stenosis of the lumbar spine has been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar myofascial pain syndrome is manifested by significant muscle spasms and guarding that result in abnormal gait or spinal contour, warranting a 20 percent disability rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and private medical records. The Veteran is also to be provided with a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current low back disability and psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is related to his active service and grants entitlement to service connection.