Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's service connection for postoperative residuals of a left varicocele was granted with a 10% evaluation effective from August 1, 1994. The Board also found that the Veteran's chronic back disability and Peyronie's disease were not incurred during active duty.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the cervical spine claim and concluding that any current lumbar spine disability is not related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as the preponderance of evidence does not support a higher rating for his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board found that there is no evidence linking the Veteran's current low back disorder to his period of active service or to any incidents therein, and denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine degenerative disc disease and right Achilles tendonitis, with initial noncompensable ratings being granted.

All issues on appeal have been withdrawn by the Veteran and his representative.

The Board found that the Veteran's obesity was not caused by or related to his period of active military service. The issues regarding a back disorder, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including a stress disorder and dysthymic disorder), and sleep apnea are addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his previously denied claim for service connection for a back disorder. The claims for right and left ankle disorders, as well as the left knee disorder (secondary to right knee disability), are addressed. The Veteran is scheduled for VA examinations to assess the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine is currently rated at 10 percent, and his lumbar radiculopathy is separately rated at 10 percent. The current ratings are appropriate based on the evidence of record.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's service treatment records and to provide him with appropriate VA examinations. The claims will be remanded for these actions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bladder cancer, prostate cancer, gastrointestinal disorder (bleeding stomach and bleeding from the bowels), skin cancer, and lumbar spine disorder, all of which were claimed as secondary to herbicide exposure. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to his active military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected lumbar spine disorder and whether he is unemployable due to this disability. The case will also be referred to the Undersecretary for Benefits or Director of Compensation and Pension Service for consideration of an extra-schedular evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with the hearing process and clarification of the Veteran's representative. The issue of service connection for a lumbar spine disability remains on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person, meeting the criteria for SMC.

The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on housebound status or permanent need for regular aid and attendance, as he is not in need of such assistance.

The Board finds that the Veteran's claimed low back pain, left wrist disability, and right wrist sprain are not related to his active service. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Board has ordered a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's low back disability, which may affect his claim for service connection. The case will be remanded for further development.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have degenerative disc disease at L4-5 that is causally or etiologically related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current back disorder, including degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease, was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The claim is denied.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for her lumbosacral strain and a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability are being remanded for additional development of the record.