Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for posterior disc protrusions (C4-7) of the cervical spine and a lower back condition, finding that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the cervical spine claim. The lower back condition claim was also denied as there is no evidence linking the current disability to service.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and patellofemoral pain syndrome of the left knee with patellar tendinitis were denied. The Board found that his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has granted service connection for chondromalacia of the right knee and assigned a 20% disability rating. The Veteran's left knee is rated at 30%, with an effective date prior to June 8, 2010.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, acting alone, preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case due to an error in relying on a September 2008 VA opinion, which did not address whether the cumulative effect of parachute jumps during service caused or was related to the Veteran's current back disability. The case is now returned for further examination and consideration.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional evidentiary development, including obtaining medical records and providing a supplemental VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate examination report.

The Board found that the Veteran's current cervical and lumbar spine disorders are not etiologically related to military service, but rather due to age-related changes. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disorder preexisted service and was aggravated by service, thus granting service connection for the condition.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and status post lumbar laminectomy, finding that the Veteran's preexisting back condition did not increase in severity during active duty.

The Board denied a separate compensable disability rating for neurologic manifestations of the service-connected traumatic arthritis of the lumbar spine.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain VA medical records, service treatment records, and an opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's back disorder. The case is now remanded for these actions.

The Board found that the Veteran's degenerative changes of the lumbar spine were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include schizophrenia and PTSD, as well as his claim for a higher rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine have been granted. The effective date for the 20% disability rating for lumbosacral strain is October 7, 1999.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, left ankle post-traumatic changes of the malleoli with residual pain, and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease. The Veteran's conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining outstanding VA and private treatment records, arranging for a VA examination of the Veteran's low back disability, and considering the claim for TDIU.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection. The issues of entitlement to service connection for low back disability, bilateral eye disability, bilateral hearing loss, flat feet, and leg cramps are being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and the need for further evaluation of the Veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, low back disability, right knee disability, deviated septum, and pes planus have been denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions.