Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected low back disability, status post lumbar laminectomy, was manifested by moderate symptoms of pain and limitation of motion. The Board granted an initial disability rating of 20 percent for this condition.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary prior to the adjudication of these claims, including obtaining VA and SSA records, personnel records, and medical examinations.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or at the housebound rate is being remanded due to a lack of recent VA examination records, and the need for additional development including obtaining Social Security Administration (SSA) disability records and arranging an examination through the American consulate in Thailand.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a statement of the case on his claim for an increased rating for sciatica and scheduling him for a Travel Board hearing.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and providing a VA examination for his claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a low back disability. The Veteran's statements, along with private physician statements, raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating his claim.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and no jurisdiction remains for the Board to adjudicate the merits of this claim.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for lumbar strain was denied as the evidence did not show ankylosis or incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 6 weeks during the past 12 months.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is related to his service, granting his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is not related to his active service and therefore denied the claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back and cervical spine disorders were not incurred in or aggravated by his service, as they preexisted his service and did not increase in severity during his service beyond their natural progression.

The Board found that the Veteran's current low back disability did not originate in service or for many years thereafter and is not related to any incident during active service.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee, right elbow, and low back disabilities. The Veteran is assigned a 20 percent rating for the left elbow disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of degenerative arthritis of the left ankle or DDD of the cervical spine, and there is no evidence linking these conditions to service. The Board finds the January 2012 medical opinion persuasive in concluding that the Veteran's left ankle gout and cervical spine disability are not related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current low back disorder and bilateral leg radiculopathy were not incurred or aggravated by service, and denied both claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability is not related to service and concluded that it was less likely than not incurred in or caused by service.

The appeal has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board finds that the Veteran's low back disability is related to service and grants service connection for disc disease of the lumbosacral spine.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding it at least as likely as not that the condition had its onset during active duty. Service connection is denied for back disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current lumbar spine disability related to her military service and therefore, denies her claim for service connection.