Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations for his service-connected right foot disability and low back disability have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of the appeal by the Veteran's private attorney.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance of another/housebound is being remanded due to unclear factual entitlement, including whether any single service-connected disability renders him unemployable or if he qualifies for SMC based on a need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to appear for a scheduled Travel Board hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after scheduling a new hearing.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected conditions and his death, as well as whether his service-connected disabilities caused or aggravated his COPD.

The Board denied reopening of the claims for service connection for low back and right hand disabilities due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board denied service connection for cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine disorders, headaches, and urinary frequency. The Veteran's sinusitis is currently rated at 10%.

The Board found that a chronic low back disorder and degenerative joint disease of the spine were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, and arthritis may not be presumed to have been incurred therein.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral spine disability has been manifested by forward flexion to no less than 90 degrees, without muscle spasm or guarding resulting in abnormal gait or spinal contour. There were no incapacitating episodes prior to January 6, 2009.

The Board found that the Veteran's left knee, right hip, and low back disabilities are not service-connected or secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. The VA examiners provided negative opinions on direct and secondary service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's current lumbar spine, bilateral knee, and right shoulder disabilities are not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing in-service incurrence or aggravation.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and bilateral pes planus have been granted service connection, with the latter receiving a 10% rating effective January 2, 2013.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records and inextricably intertwined TDIU claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current degenerative disease of the cervical spine is related to his active military service, granting service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder due to incomplete development and lack of adequate medical opinion. The case will be returned to the RO for further action.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased evaluation of her cervical spine disability (excluding the period of a temporary total rating) was denied as her service-connected cervical spine DDD did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA examination. The Veteran's low back disability is being reviewed in light of his service as a fire protection specialist and potential exposure to gases.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to March 14, 1994 for the award of a TDIU due to lack of evidence showing unemployability solely due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's current back disabilities are not related to his in-service injury, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was denied by the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board found that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disorders, including degeneration of the lumbar spine, were not incurred in service and denied his claim for service connection.