Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine has been rated at 20 percent, which is higher than the initial 10 percent rating. The condition does not meet criteria for a higher rating based on unfavorable ankylosis or flexion less than 30 degrees.

The Board found that there is no competent medical evidence linking the Veteran's current back disorder to his period of service. Therefore, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's claim for increased rating and TDIU related to his service-connected low back strain is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and development of records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and arranging for examinations to determine the nature and etiology of any current back or neck disability, hearing loss, and tinnitus. The effective date issue is also being addressed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical disc disease and low back disorder are not related to his military service, and thus denied both claims.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be incurred in service, and the claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient detail in the medical opinions provided by Dr. Guerzon regarding the etiology of the veteran's low back disability.

The VA determined that the Veteran's current back disorder is not related to his military service.

The Veteran's DDD of the lumbar spine was initially rated at 10 percent between December 1, 2000 and October 25, 2006. From October 26, 2006, his disability was rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is granted effective from July 11, 2007, with a 60 percent disability rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical and low back disabilities are not related to service, as there is no evidence of a nexus between his current conditions and any in-service injury or disease. The Veteran's disabilities have been attributed to post-service work-related injuries.

The Board has ordered a remand to attempt to verify the Veteran's current address and schedule him for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed right knee, back, and neck disorders.

The Board denied service connection for chronic low back disability, finding no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after service. The Veteran's current low back disability was not linked to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate examination and new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation for his bilateral hearing loss or residuals of a right hand injury, to include arthritis of the right thumb and fingers. Service connection was also denied for cervical arthralgia and a back disorder.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, bilateral knee injury residuals with chondromalacia and degenerative joint disease, and left ankle injury residuals with arthritis do not warrant an increased disability evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and a back condition are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling of VA examinations and obtaining outstanding records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including ear disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, sleep apnea, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, bilateral foot disorder, GERD, cramps in legs and feet, back disorder, headaches, arthritis of the hands, and skin infection of the feet are not supported by the evidence. The Board finds that there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to service or any period thereof.

The Board found that the Veteran's lumbar spondylolisthesis with lumbar fusion, status post compression fracture, multilevel, with degenerative disc space narrowing and arthritis did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his range of motion was within normal limits or less than 30 degrees.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the representative withdrew the appeal prior to a decision being made.