Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran does not have current chronic low back or respiratory disorders due to service, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under VA regulations. The Board found that a higher rating was not warranted based on the evidence presented.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches, lumbar spine DDD, and a skin disability as secondary to herbicide exposure (Agent Orange). The Veteran's eye disability is not considered due to exposure to hazardous environmental agents employed in Project SHAD.

The Veteran's right-sided S1 radiculopathy results in pain, numbness, weakness, and fatigue with flare-ups occurring once every week. The Board has determined that the criteria for an initial disability rating of 20 percent have been met.

The Board has determined that there is no new and material evidence to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, thus denying the appeal.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension existed prior to his active duty and was not aggravated by service. The low back pain is not related to service, and PTSD symptoms are manifested as described but do not meet criteria for a 50% disability rating.

The Veteran's service-connected low back disability is found to be the primary cause of his acid reflux disease. The Veteran's lower extremity and mental health disabilities are also found to be related to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and no rating or effective date is assigned as the claim has been rendered moot.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection have been withdrawn. The Board is remanding the remaining claims to obtain updated VCAA notice and to schedule VA examinations to determine the etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability evaluation for her herniated nucleus pulposus with lumbosacral strain is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of records.

The Veteran's initial ratings for lumbar strain, diverticulosis with lactose intolerance, and residuals of bunionectomies have been granted. The Veteran is currently receiving the maximum available rating for his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and SSA records, workers' compensation records, and VA treatment records. The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder and thyroid condition will be evaluated based on their etiology.

The Veteran's initial claim for service connection was granted, and a 10 percent disability rating was assigned. The effective date of this award is October 11, 2007, the date of his work injury that led to increased symptoms. The Board found that the Veteran's condition warranted a 20 percent disability evaluation since October 11, 2007.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn. The Board dismissed the claims for service connection and increased ratings.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of a right shoulder disability has been withdrawn. The case is being remanded to determine the current severity of his lumbosacral spine disability.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including a VA examination to determine if he has a current low back disability related to service and whether his service-connected disabilities render him unemployable.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of medical records.

The Board found that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and a low back disability were denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a link to military service.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent, with separate ratings for right and left sciatic nerve impairment. The Veteran also meets the criteria for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.