Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, lumbar spine, and right knee have been reopened. However, new evidence does not establish a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service.,The Veteran's left knee condition is not shown to be related to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate attempts to contact the Veteran and incomplete records. The Veteran's claims for service connection for hip, leg, and low back disorders are now pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a videoconference hearing at the RO before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, bilateral foot disability, and bilateral ankle disability are being remanded due to the submission of additional relevant medical evidence and a need to reschedule an examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for scoliosis, cervical dorsolumbar paravertebral myositis (claimed as a back condition), and anxiety disorder, not otherwise specified. The decision found clear and unmistakable evidence that the Veteran's pre-existing scoliosis existed prior to her period of active duty service and was not aggravated by an injury sustained during INACDUTRA.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for his service-connected hernia repair with peripheral neuropathy due to degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his degenerative disc disease with lumbar strain was denied by the RO. The Board previously remanded the case and restored a 40 percent evaluation, but now the issue is being remanded again due to improper reduction of the disability rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, nor may arthritis be presumed to have been so incurred. The right leg/knee claim is denied as new and material evidence has not been received.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to care for his daily personal needs and protect himself from the hazards of daily living without regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete medical records and a need for clarification of the examiner's opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's back disability.

The Board has granted an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for the appellant's service-connected lumbar spine condition, effective from September 26, 2003. The claimant also received a separate 10 percent rating for neurological impairment of the right lower extremity due to his service-connected low back disability as of September 26, 2003.

The Board finds that the Veteran's low back disability is service-connected due to arthritis manifesting within one year of separation. The bilateral hearing loss was noted upon entry into service and did not worsen during active duty, meeting presumptive criteria for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disorders were not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for septal deviation, service connection for tinnitus, obstructive sleep apnea, coronary artery disease (CAD), encephalopathy (claimed as headaches and vertigo), a bilateral hearing loss disability, neck injury residuals, and a lumbar spine disability. The decision also noted that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claim for service connection for tinnitus.

The Board is remanding the case for further development, including obtaining the Veteran's current address and determining his preference regarding representation and hearing options.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease and/or degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine and cervical spine were not incurred in or aggravated by service, did not manifest within one year after discharge, and are not secondary to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder, bilateral knee disorder, and depression were denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his active service.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for nonservice-connected disability pension benefits as his verified service did not meet the minimum eligibility requirements.

The Board has granted service connection for a lower back disorder but denied service connection for thoracic and cervical spine disorders, as well as a headache disorder. The Veteran's lower back disorder is related to his in-service motor vehicle accident (MVA).

The Veteran seeks service connection for knee, hip, and back disabilities. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to clarify the nature of these conditions and their relationship to service.