Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining clinical records from a Naval Branch Health Clinic and providing the Veteran with an orthopedic examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disability is not related to service and instead is linked to a workplace injury sustained after separation from service. As such, the claim for service connection for a back disability is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for lumbosacral spine strain was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to address the Veteran's claim of service connection for a lower back disability.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the increased ratings for his low back and left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in the severity of disability required to grant the benefit for automobile and adaptive equipment.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional medical records.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his traumatic arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability has not been found to warrant an increased rating beyond the current 40 percent evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back and bilateral knee disabilities, finding that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen these claims.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the claims of service connection for right ear hearing loss, respiratory disorder (asthma), back condition, and residuals of a stab wound of the chest. The Veteran's case will be remanded to allow for further examination and opinion regarding these issues.

The Board has granted service connection for old compression fractures of T7, T8, T9, T11, T12, and L1. The issues of entitlement to service connection for right and left knee disorders are being remanded due to the need for further development.

The Board found no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to the Veteran's claimed disabilities and concluded that service connection is not warranted.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including confirming service periods and obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of the low back disability.

The Veteran's disabilities are not sufficient to meet the criteria for special monthly pension at the aid and attendance rate due to his ability to dress, keep himself clean, and manage daily activities without assistance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability is not service connected as it did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence linking his current condition to his service-connected left knee disability. The initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss claim remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected thoracolumbar strain is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess any neurological manifestations of her condition.

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

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for a lumbosacral strain, bilateral hearing loss, and pseudofolliculitis barbae. The Veteran is now entitled to an evaluation of 30 percent for his pseudofolliculitis barbae.