Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left shoulder disabilities have been reopened, but the claim for an increased rating for his lower back disability has been denied.,The Veteran's lower back disability is rated at 10 percent prior to June 13, 2011, and at 40 percent since that date.

The Veteran's low back disorder was rated at 20 percent prior to December 1, 2011. As of December 1, 2011, the rating for his thoracolumbar spine condition increased to 30 percent due to more severe limitation of motion. Service connection for a mixed demyelinating/axonal degeneration sensorimotor polyneuropathy was granted.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back disorder, finding that it is proximately due to his service-connected generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder with agoraphobia.

The Veteran's low back disorder is currently rated at 40 percent, but does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation due to lack of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.,Right leg weakness is currently rated at 10 percent and does not warrant a higher rating based on severity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed shoulder disorder and his bilateral shoulder pain is a manifestation of his cervical spine disorder. Service connection for a back disability was granted, but service connection for a neck and shoulder disability (secondary to the back disability) was denied.

The VA determined that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation, as his range of motion was within the limits specified for a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal has been remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining relevant medical records and attempting to obtain service treatment records from the Saigon military hospital. The Veteran is also advised that he may need to provide evidence linking his lumbar spine disability to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has determined that additional development is required to determine the etiology of the Veteran's low back disability and whether it is related to service. The case will be remanded for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The claim for TDIU was granted.

The Board found no evidence of a lumbar spine disability during service and concluded that the Veteran's current low back condition is not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with disc herniation is causally or etiologically due to service, and therefore service connection is established.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including obtaining SSA records, VA treatment records, and a VA examination for his prostate disorder and hepatitis C.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral shin splints/compartment syndrome, cervical strain with disc herniation, and thoracic strain are related to his active service. The claims for neck and back disabilities have been granted as direct service connection is established.

The Board found no evidence of a back injury or psychiatric problems in service, and there is insufficient credible medical evidence to establish any link between current disabilities and service. The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining her military dependent medical records from Fort Campbell and her treatment records from Dr. David Moody and Dr. Russell Palmer. A VA orthopedic examination will be conducted to determine the nature and etiology of any current back disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional medical opinions and development of the claims file. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a spine disability, including spondylolisthesis, pelvic girdle dysfunction, and degenerative disc disorder, is pending.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a low back disability and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities has been dismissed because the Veteran died during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder and inguinal hernia were not incurred or aggravated by service, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbosacral spine disability and obstructive sleep apnea are related to his military service, with the evidence being in equipoise on both issues.

The Board has remanded the case for a Travel Board hearing and to address the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an initial rating in excess of 40 percent for degenerative joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine.