Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board granted service connection for tinnitus in his right ear and granted a 20 percent rating for degenerative facet joint L5-S1 with bulge, lordosis, and spondylosis (back condition). The other issues were not addressed as the appeal was not about service connection at all.

The Board has scheduled a Travel Board hearing for the Veteran. However, due to inclement weather and lack of transportation, the Veteran was unable to attend the previously scheduled hearing. The case is now being returned to the RO to reschedule the hearing.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining Army Reserve treatment and personnel records, such as medical board reports.

The Veteran's increased rating claim for her service-connected lumbar spine disability was denied. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for DJD of the lumbar spine has been granted, with a rating of 40 percent effective August 5, 2011. A separate 10 percent rating is also granted for left leg radiculopathy associated with the service-connected DJD of the lumbar spine.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for low back pain due to degenerative joint disease. The claim was previously denied in October 2002, and no new or material evidence has been submitted since then.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and examination, including obtaining additional medical records and providing a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the appellant's low back disability is service-connected, as it was incurred during active duty for training in March 1966.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have currently diagnosed right and left wrist disorders, right hip disorder, or back disorder. As a result, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the Veteran's claims can be decided. The case is being remanded for further action, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that further examination and development are needed before the claim can be fully adjudicated.

The Veteran has osteoarthritis of the thoracic and lumbar spines that is as likely as not related to his active duty. The Board concludes that service connection for this condition is warranted.

The Board has granted a 20% rating for the Veteran's service-connected chronic low back strain, effective October 13, 2010. The Veteran is not entitled to an increased rating or TDIU based on his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine was evaluated at a 10 percent rating prior to July 12, 2005. As of July 12, 2005, he is not entitled to an evaluation in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment, and the Board grants entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's low back disability and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity have been evaluated at their current levels, with no higher ratings granted.

The Veteran is found unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected low back disability, and a TDIU on an extraschedular basis is granted.

The Veteran's left knee disability has been rated as noncompensable since the effective date of service connection. The RO granted a 10 percent rating for iliotibial band syndrome of the left knee, effective July 16, 2004.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability existed prior to his second period of service and was not aggravated by military service. The acquired psychiatric disorder is attributed to the Veteran's willful misconduct, specifically alcohol and drug abuse.

The Board found no evidence of a back injury during service, and the disability was not manifest within one year of separation. The Veteran's current back condition is unrelated to his military service.