Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability and respiratory disability are not related to service, thus denying both claims.

The Board found that a current low back disorder with mild right-sided radiculopathy did not have its onset during active service or become manifest within the first post-service year, and is not proximately due to any service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back and bilateral knee disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by service, as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability and hypertension, finding that the Veteran's current conditions were not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including radiculopathy of the upper and lower extremities and a right knee disability, have been denied. The Veteran does not have diagnosed disabilities that warrant an increased evaluation for recurrent tinnitus.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current low back and right leg conditions did not have their clinical onset in service or are otherwise related to his active duty.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for further examination. The issues of increased ratings for PTSD, thoracolumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, and right ankle disability are also being remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claims for right leg, back, and left foot disabilities are denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to his military service. The claim for right knee disability is also denied due to lack of in-service injury or disease.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, including residuals of cervical spine trauma and strain, is related to his military service. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The case was remanded multiple times, but the issues remained unresolved.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 10 percent, effective August 7, 2010. He also has a separate rating for right leg radiculopathy of 10 percent.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability and a groin disability, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine multilevel disc disease with spinal stenosis is currently rated at 20 percent, effective June 3, 2009. The Board finds that an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board found that the Veteran's diagnosed lumbar spine DJD/DDD was not incurred in or aggravated by service and may not be presumed to have been incurred in service. The evidence did not show a chronic disease within one year of discharge from service, nor did it establish continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Board found no evidence of a back disorder during service and determined that the current condition is not related to service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and NSC pension due to incomplete development of records, including VA examinations. The claims will be reconsidered after all necessary evidence is obtained.

The Board has determined that further development is needed due to insufficient evidence to decide the claims under the applicable theories of service connection.

The Veteran's request for service connection for a back disability is being remanded due to his desire for a Travel Board hearing.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule the Veteran for VA examinations.,The Veteran reported having various disabilities, including foot problems, sinus issues, back pain, head injuries, hand/elbow/arm pain, shoulder problems, psychiatric conditions, and a heart condition. The Board will review these claims in light of all available evidence.

The case is remanded to the RO for additional development, including obtaining VA and non-VA medical records, conducting examinations, and adjudicating the claims.