Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case to attempt to obtain service records and a VA examination, as well as additional development of the claims file.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability, right arm disability, lumbar spine disability, and lung or respiratory disability as there was no current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Board has denied all service connection claims for the Veteran's kidney disability, sinus disability, hypertension, back disability, multiple joint disability (including arthritis), and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's low back disability, specifically whether it is related to his in-service injury while attempting to raise a telephone pole cross arm.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, finding that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen his diabetes mellitus claim. The other claims were also denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully consider the Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disability, including consideration of his reported in-service injury and any aggravation during military service.

The Veteran's service-connected back disability was increased to a 60 percent rating effective December 7, 2012. Prior to that date, the disability remained at 20 percent.

The Board found no evidence of a head injury in service and concluded that the Veteran's current memory loss is not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities effectively render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and thus grants his claim for TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine had its onset in service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and lung disability, including spots on the lungs, were denied as there is no competent evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and ensure compliance with the duty to assist.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, and thus denied all of his claims.

The Board has granted reconsideration of the Veteran's claim for service connection for back disability, finding new and material evidence to reopen the previously denied claim. The claim is now on the merits.

The Veteran's SMC claim is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if her service-connected disabilities necessitate the need for aid and attendance of another person or render her housebound.

The Veteran's right hip degenerative joint disease is service-connected. However, there is no evidence of bowel or urinary incontinence associated with his service-connected lumbar spine condition.

The Veteran's degenerative changes of the lumbar spine are rated at 40 percent effective August 11, 2011. The left ankle strain is rated at 10 percent prior to August 10, 2011 and in excess of 10 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including an examination and updated employment information. The case will be readjudicated after the additional development.