Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran's current low back disability is not related to his service, as there was no evidence of a chronic condition during or after service. The pre-existing scoliosis noted at entry did not worsen during service.

The Veteran's service-connected low back disability is rated at 40 percent, and the Board has granted a TDIU rating based on his inability to work due to his disabilities.

The Board has restored the Veteran's original 40 percent disability rating for his service-connected lumbosacral strain, finding that there was not sufficient evidence to support a reduction.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or automobile and adaptive equipment eligibility.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records and need for further medical examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar disc disability, including as secondary to other conditions, cannot be reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. The appeal is denied.

Throughout the rating period on appeal, the Veteran's residuals, thoracic and lumbar strain have not met the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a more contemporaneous VA examination and an opinion on whether his service-connected lumbosacral strain with arthritis aggravates his non-service-connected neck disorder.

The Veteran's hypertension and lumbar strain with intervertebral disc syndrome were evaluated, but the claims for increased ratings were denied as his disability did not meet or approximate the criteria for higher ratings under VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's appeal regarding an effective date prior to July 31, 1995 for the grant of service connection for major depressive disorder has been dismissed. The issues concerning service connection for a cervical spine disorder and a low back disorder have also been remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in a need for regular aid and attendance, which is sufficient to grant special monthly compensation based on this condition.

The Veteran's claim for VA medical treatment without payment is being remanded due to the need to adjudicate her service connection claims and other pending claims related to her disabilities.

The Veteran seeks service connection for low back injury residuals, which he claims were incurred in a motorcycle accident during military service. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of his current low back disability and its relationship to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of the evidence, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, as well as the current severity of his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's service connection claims for a low back disorder and ulcers, finding no probative evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's degenerative disc disease and whether it is related to service, including back injuries sustained during service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete medical records and a request for representation.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability and schizophrenia. The claim will be denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The appeals are not about service connection, but rather the evaluation of his heart disease and back disabilities.