Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative arthritis does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating, and thus denied his claim for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received sufficient to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for a back disability. The case is REMANDED to obtain additional medical records, personnel records, and an examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition and found new evidence sufficient to reopen the case. However, the Board determined that there is no medical evidence linking the current back conditions to military service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current back disability is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied claims for service connection for lumbar paravertebral myositis and degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, finding that these conditions were not related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service-connected low back disorder was granted a rating of 20 percent prior to August 24, 2010 and increased to 30 percent thereafter. The right knee and left knee disorders were each granted a rating of 10 percent initially, with the left knee receiving an additional 10 percent for instability starting from August 24, 2010. The service-connected diabetic peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities was also granted initial ratings of 10 percent prior to August 24, 2010 and increased to 20 percent thereafter.

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

The Board has denied service connection for a cervical spine disability and stomach condition, but granted service connection for a gastric ulcer. The case is being remanded to obtain SSA records.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial schedular ratings and extra-schedular evaluations were denied. The TDIU claim remains part of the appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims to reopen his service connection for low back disorder and right knee disorder have been denied as there is no new and material evidence presented.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and providing an addendum to the December 2012 VA examination. The Veteran's representative will be provided with an opportunity to review the claims folder.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease at L5-S1 with a bulging disc is productive of orthopedic impairment and neurological symptoms, including erectile dysfunction, bowel incontinence, bladder incontinence, and right shoulder AC joint separation. The claims for increased ratings and secondary service connection are granted.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for additional development, including obtaining SSA disability records and Vocational Rehabilitation file. The TDIU claim is also added.

The Board found no evidence to support service connection for a low back disability or arthritis of the lumbar spine, as there was no in-service injury and current conditions are not related to service.

The appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew it prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings are being remanded to obtain additional medical examinations and to obtain outstanding VA and private treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from attending to the needs of nature, caring for himself, and/or protecting himself from the hazards of his environment. The Board finds that he is in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right knee chondromalacia patella, left knee effusion, and bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. The Veteran's lumbar strain/myositis, left shoulder degenerative joint disease with impingement, and plantar fascia fibromatosis were all rated as 20 percent disabling.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a low back disorder and right knee disorder, have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance. As such, he is entitled to special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a low back disability. The Board finds it is as likely as not that the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder was incurred during his period of active military service, thus granting service connection.