Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination to assess the severity of his cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spondylosis is being remanded due to the need to locate him and conduct a VA examination.

The Board found no evidence of a direct service connection for the Veteran's low back disability, as there is no medical evidence linking his current condition to his active duty service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current back disability did not manifest during or as a result of active military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability in the previous decision. The case is being remanded to provide additional development and obtain relevant medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in an impairment of his ability to prepare for, obtain, or retain employment consistent with his abilities, aptitudes and interests.

The Veteran is seeking increased ratings for his right knee disorder and service connection for low back and peripheral neuropathy. The case has been remanded to obtain updated medical examinations and opinions regarding the severity of his right knee disorder, as well as whether any diagnosed low back or peripheral neuropathy are related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's neck and back disabilities are at least as likely as not incurred during his active service, with application of the benefit-of-the-doubt rule.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disorder did not have its onset in service and denied both direct and secondary service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disabilities, including degenerative disc disease and arthritis of the thoracic and lumbar spine, are related to his in-service injury during training operations in 1943. As such, service connection for a back disability is granted.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, residuals of exposure to asbestos, and facet arthropathy at the level of the 5th lumbar vertebra and 1st sacral segment. As a result, these claims are dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and severity of his low back disability, including whether any diagnosed entity other than lumbosacral strain is part and parcel of/due to/ evolved from the service-connected condition.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are as likely as not due to noise exposure during his period of active service. Service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board has determined that an effective date of May 23, 2006 is the earliest date on which it was factually ascertainable that a separate 20 percent disability rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy was warranted.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain does not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, as his disability is rated at 20% and the evidence shows he has residual capacity for sedentary work.

The Veteran's left knee degenerative joint disease was diagnosed within the first post-service year following his second period of active duty. The Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder was denied as there is no current diagnosed disability and the in-service treatment did not result in a chronic condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and private medical records related to his back disability and knee disabilities. He also needs a VA examination of his spine and left knee.

The Board found that the Veteran's current thoracolumbar spine disability is likely due to an inservice injury, granting service connection.