Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a lumbar spine disability and granted service connection based on continuity of symptomatology since service.,Service connection is also granted for tinnitus, with consideration given to the Veteran's in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is not productive of a disability picture consistent with moderate incomplete paralysis of the external popliteal nerve.,The Veteran's service-connected residuals of laminectomy, scar are not considered unstable or manifested by pain on examination; nor is there any limitation of motion.,The Veteran's service-connected residuals of right inguinal hernia are not productive of a recurrent, readily reducible hernia that is well supported by truss or belt.,The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder calcific tendonitis with minimal arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint is manifested by complaints of pain and some limited range of motion, but without limitation to shoulder level or evidence of ankylosis.,Prior to July 14, 2008, the Veteran's service-connected lumbar disc disease, L4-L5 spondylostenosis, fusion L5 to S1 is manifested by subjective complaints of pain and objective findings of limitation of motion, but not forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less; ankylosis; or incapacitating episodes of at least four weeks over the past 12 months. From July 14, 2008, the Veteran's service-connected lumbar disc disease is manifested by subjective complaints of pain and objective findings of decreased limitation of motion, but not ankylosis, or incapacitating episodes of at least six weeks.,The Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids are mild or moderate with excessive redundant tissue, but are not thrombotic or irreducible; and there are no objecting findings of persistent bleeding, anemia or fissures.,The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder disability with resection of the clavicle is manifested by complaints of pain and limited range of motion, but without limitation to midway between side and shoulder level or evidence of ankylosis.,The Veteran's service-connected greater occipital neuralgia with headaches is manifested by subjective complaints of headaches, but without evidence of prostrating attacks or moderate incomplete paralysis of the seventh (facial) cranial nerve.

The Board has determined that the submitted evidence is not new and material to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a second time due to incomplete VA and SSA records. The case will be returned to the VBA for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher ratings and service connection, finding that his pes planus warranted a 50% rating throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal on all seven issues, including the evaluation of thoracic and lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disorder, bilateral hip disorder, bilateral leg disorder, bilateral arm disorder, and psychiatric disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate reasons and bases in its February 2009 decision, including failure to provide adequate explanations regarding VA examinations provided in March 2004.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disorder is not directly related to his service-connected left knee disability and denied the claim for secondary service connection.

The Veteran's low back disability is manifested by complaints of chronic pain, with flare-ups and exacerbations; objective findings of limitation of lumbar motion with pain on motion; and limitation of activities. The Board denied an increased evaluation in excess of 40 percent for his lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint disease, degenerative disc disease with facet hypertrophy, spinal stenosis and herniated nucleus pulposus, L-4/L-5, status post-discectomy and fusion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disability began during active service and granted service connection for a low back disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disorders, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his service-connected degenerative joint and disc disease of the right knee, lumbar spine, and cervical spine did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings at any point.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate reasons and bases in the previous decision, including a need for an adequate nexus between service and current low back disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's back disability, specifically whether it is a congenital defect or if there was superimposed injury during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss disability does not warrant a compensable rating, and his claims for service connection of sinusitis, bilateral knee disorder, and back disorder are denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a back disability and finds that it was incurred in or aggravated by service. The Veteran's current back disability is diagnosed as degenerative disc disease at L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels, which he contends resulted from a fall on the obstacle course during basic training.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent, the maximum available rating under current criteria. The Board finds that his condition does not warrant a higher rating.

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

The Board found no evidence of a low back disorder in service or within one year post-service, and concluded that the Veteran's current degenerative disc disease is less likely related to his military service. The claim for service connection was denied.