Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board finds that the Veteran's current low back disability is not related to his military service, and thus denies his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, which represents the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 5243 for intervertebral disc syndrome. The Board found that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating based on the criteria provided in the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine or the Incapacitating Episode Formula.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine is being remanded due to incomplete records, deficient VCAA notice, and need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability is manifested by forward flexion to 30 degrees or less, and the schedular criteria for a 40 percent rating are met.

The Veteran's service-connected low back disability is rated at 40 percent since March 12, 2009. The rating reflects severe limitation of motion and the need for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is being remanded due to the need to obtain Social Security Administration (SSA) records and determine if extraschedular TDIU consideration is warranted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for cervical spine degenerative disc disease was denied as the evidence did not meet the schedular criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability did not begin during service and is not otherwise shown to be causally related to any incident of service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected lumbar spine disorder is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of updated evidence.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for a right elbow disability, bilateral ankle disability, and low back disability with left hip problems. The Veteran's current disabilities are found to be related to his active military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded to the RO for further development of his medical records, including those from UPMC sports medicine center and Dr. Spiro at Magee-Womens Hospital.

The Veteran's TDIU was granted effective December 12, 2005. The Board found that the criteria for a higher rating were not met prior to this date.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his claims, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board found no evidence to support a link between the Veteran's back disability and his military service, including an in-service injury. The Veteran's current condition is considered unrelated to his time in the service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed low back, neck, right knee, or left knee disorders. The claim will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board has granted service connection for a lower back disorder, specifically a lumbar sprain/strain. The Veteran's appeal seeking an effective date prior to July 25, 2007 for the grant of service connection for tinnitus is dismissed.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for additional development due to new evidence submitted by the appellant.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, disabilities of the legs and knees including osteoarthritis, and an acquired psychiatric disability including PTSD due to lack of credible evidence of onset or continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Veteran's back disorder is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing an addendum to the VA examination.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40% since December 7, 2009. Service connection for PTSD was granted.