Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded for additional development due to incomplete records, specifically regarding treatment from Dr. J.H. and Trinity Clinic in Tyler, Texas.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, including degenerative changes of the lumbar spine, was incurred during his active military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected scoliosis of the lumbar spine has been characterized by pain and flexion limited to 40 degrees at worst, with no clinical evidence of incapacitating episodes or nerve conduction velocity/EMG studies indicating any radiculopathy. The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, a back disorder, and a bilateral foot disorder. The VA examiner found that hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's hypertension, residuals of a left shoulder injury, and chronic lung condition (claimed as bronchitis) are all granted. Service connection for DJD and DDD of the lumbar spine is also granted with an initial rating of 10%. The Veteran's arthritis of the right great toe and arthritis of the left great toe each receive an initial compensable rating.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, finding that the Veteran's continuous symptomatology since active service supports this claim. For his left shoulder disability, the evidence does not establish service connection as it is unclear whether the condition was present during service or if it is related to sarcoidosis.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic lumbar spine disorder related to service and concluded that the Veteran's current low back problems are not connected to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for chronic urinary tract infections and an initial compensable rating for thoracolumbar strain was denied. The Board found that there is no current evidence of a diagnosed disability related to these issues.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his right knee disability, the etiology of his lumbar spine disorder, and the nature and etiology of his claimed left foot gout.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining new VA examinations and updating medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability was incurred in service and granted service connection for this condition. The issues of entitlement to service connection for right knee and low back disabilities are being remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further action, including scheduling a hearing before the Board at his current address.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional medical examination and development of the claim. The Veteran's low back disorder is being evaluated in light of his service history, including any treatment received prior to active duty.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to incomplete service records. The missing records will be sought and associated with the claim file or, if not found, the Veteran will be advised of alternative sources.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for Meniere's disease, spondylosis of the lumbar spine, and hypertension are being remanded due to scheduling a videoconference Board hearing at the RO.

The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The rating reflects limitation of motion, but not severe enough to result in abnormal gait or spinal contour.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities caused an altered gait, which resulted in his back disability incurred during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hand and shoulder arthritis, a bilateral elbow disorder, and a lumbar spine disorder are related to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied as her service-connected conditions did not warrant higher disability ratings.