Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

For the period from June 8, 2011, the Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain with mechanical low back pain has been manifested by limited motion and pain. The VA examination reports do not support a higher rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disability, including degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease, did not have its onset during service or within one year of separation from service. The VA examiner opined that it was less likely than not caused by a 1953 vehicle accident in service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records.

The Board denied the Veteran's service connection claims for pes planus, low back problems, swelling of both hands, swelling of both legs, and ruptured appendix/appendectomy as there was no evidence showing a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for clarification of private audiological reports and a new VA examination, as well as issuance of an SOC on the increased rating and reopening claims.

The Board has dismissed the claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, as the Veteran and his representative withdrew this claim. The remaining issues of service connection for gout, skin disorders, left knee disorder, erectile dysfunction, and high cholesterol have been denied due to lack of evidence of an underlying disability.

The Veteran's right knee disability has been rated at 20 percent since December 2008. The claim for an increased rating is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and right knee disability are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has granted a TDIU effective January 5, 2009. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities had increased in severity to render him unable to engage in gainful employment as of that date.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of her claims file.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for further development of the claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records from December 2006 to the present. The case will be reviewed again after this additional evidence is obtained.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability, finding that his current condition is not related to his in-service injury and did not manifest within one year of separation from service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 40 percent for degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board has remanded the case for a videoconference hearing on the low back disability claim and to issue a statement of the case (SOC) addressing the death pension benefits and cause of death issues. The appellant must file a timely substantive appeal in response to the SOC.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability was granted, with the effective date being November 30, 2010. The Veteran's hypertension and TDIU claims are addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a back disability is granted, and his left ankle injury residuals are rated at the lowest possible rating of 10 percent.

The Board has determined that there is new and material evidence to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee and low back disorders, but these claims are ultimately denied as the evidence does not establish a direct or secondary relationship between his current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a VA opinion on whether his service-connected disabilities are sufficient in combination to preclude him from obtaining or maintaining any form of substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain is being remanded due to the need to consider former rating criteria and additional development.