Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further action, including scheduling a hearing at the address provided on his clarification of Board hearing request form.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his lumbar degenerative disc disease is being remanded due to the passage of time since a previous VA examination and because he has not provided information about any recent treatment. A new VA examination will be conducted.

The Board denied reopening of claims for service connection for a right knee disorder and a back disorder, finding that the evidence submitted was not new and material.

The Board has ordered the VA to obtain updated treatment records, including those related to the Veteran's low back and athlete's foot complaints. The issues of whether new and material evidence was submitted to reopen a previously denied claim for service connection for a chronic low back disability and entitlement to service connection for chronic athlete's foot will be readjudicated following receipt of these records.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the appellant requires regular aid and attendance or is housebound due to her disabilities.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right foot disability, bilateral knee osteoarthritis, and lumbar spine osteoarthritis. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back, lung, and left leg disorders are not related to his active duty service. However, it was determined that he has residuals of appendicitis with a scar which is related to his service.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by his service-connected PTSD, and thus denied entitlement to service connection for cause of death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is secondary to his service-connected pes planus, and his psychiatric disabilities (PTSD and situational phobia) are related to active service.

The Board found the Veteran's allegations of an in-service low back injury and continued pain for the remainder of his service to be not credible. The preponderance of evidence is against a finding that the current low back disability is attributable to service.

The Board found no evidence of a right knee, back, or hip disability that was incurred in service. The Veteran's current disabilities are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for back, right leg, and left leg disabilities are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease, lumbar spine, status post fusion, is currently rated at 40 percent. The issue of an initial compensable evaluation for the bunion, left great toe, remains in appellate status.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability is related to his service, including two automobile accidents during active duty. As a result, the claim for service connection for a back disability is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disorder and higher rating for her low back strain. The Board also did not grant TDIU due to insufficient evidence showing she is unemployable.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, and a disability characterized by memory loss are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was primarily characterized by flexion ranging from 0 to 40 degrees, with acute episodes of lumbar pain requiring treatment by a physician. The criteria for a rating of 40 percent have been met.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, were denied. The Board found no current diagnoses of the claimed disabilities and thus could not grant service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed low back disability and hypertension were not incurred or aggravated by service, nor can they be presumed to have been incurred therein. The evidence does not support a finding of continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records, including those from VA clinics and Vet Centers. The RO/AMC will obtain all relevant treatment records and ensure that they have been reviewed.