Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his low back disability and associated radiculopathy of the right lower extremity was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's PTSD and lumbar spine disabilities did not render him unemployable prior to February 1, 2005. His service-connected conditions were considered in determining his eligibility for TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is related to his active service, finding credible and competent lay testimony of continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee and back disabilities are not service-connected, but granted her claims based on direct service connection.

The Board found no evidence to support a service connection claim for the Veteran's back disability, concluding that it was not incurred during active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis for either elbow or low back, and therefore service connection is denied for these conditions. The right elbow arthritis was not manifest in service or within one year after separation, and is unrelated to service. The left elbow bursitis is also not related to service. Concerning the low back disability, there were no chronic symptoms found during service, and current intermittent back strain is not related to service.

The Board has remanded the claims due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain service treatment records and to provide the Veteran with a VA examination. The appeal will be remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected low back disability and any associated neurological symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected low back disability and any associated neurologic abnormalities. The case may also be referred for extra-schedular consideration.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder is not found to be caused or permanently worsened by his service-connected low back disability. His low back disability, characterized by pain and limited motion but no ankylosis of the spine or incapacitating episodes, does not warrant a rating higher than 40 percent. The Veteran is competent for direct receipt of VA funds.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is not related to his service or a service-connected condition, but his left hip trochanteric tendinitis was aggravated by his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but denied service connection for a mid and low back disorder including degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the thoracolumbar spine and bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, prior to February 28, 2007, did not render him unemployable due to his nonservice-connected leukemia.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his low back disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 20 percent, as his condition did not meet criteria for limitation of motion or favorable ankylosis.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another was denied as there is no evidence that he requires assistance in putting on a lumbar corset, which he can do independently.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an opinion on whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable without regard to his age or non-service connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran not receiving notices for VA examinations and a hearing before the Board. The case will be returned to the RO via the Appeals Management Center (AMC) in Washington, DC.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for lumbosacral strain with sciatica was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected lumbar spine disability. The claims will be reviewed again after this development.