Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability results in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine no less than 40 degrees and does not result in ankylosis. Therefore, a higher evaluation is not warranted.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability, including arthritis and degenerative disc disease, is currently rated at 40 percent. The appeal seeks an increased rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's current low back disorder is unrelated to his active duty service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including testicular torsion residuals, chest pain, cold injury to the face and extremities, low back disorder, conjunctivitis residuals, and left hand disorder. The decision found no evidence of current disabilities related to these conditions.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to increased disability ratings for his service-connected lumbar and cervical spine disabilities are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional evidence from SSA.

The Veteran's service-connected post-operative degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 10 percent, but he contends that his disability warrants a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to outstanding VA and private treatment records, unclear nature of his claimed conditions, and the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing and further development.

The Veteran's initial claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus, type II were denied prior to April 9, 2008. From April 9, 2008, forward, the Veteran was granted a 20% rating.,From May 23, 2008, the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus, type II was denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for cancer of the lumbosacral spine and arthritis of multiple joints were both denied. The loss of bilateral great toenails was also not found to be related to service.,Service connection for cancer of the lumbosacral spine was denied as it is not due to or aggravated by his service-connected prostate cancer. Service connection for arthritis of multiple joints was denied as there is no evidence that it was incurred in service.,The Veteran's loss of bilateral great toenails was also denied, with no indication that it was related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability pre-existed service and was aggravated by service. The claim for sleep apnea is remanded due to incomplete information in the record.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for his lumbar spine degenerative joint disease (DJD). The evidence does not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or other factors. The Veteran's complaints have been considered, but they do not warrant a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim to reopen her service connection for a lower back condition, finding that new and material evidence had not been presented.

The Board has determined that relevant service department records have been submitted, and reconsideration of the claim is granted. The Veteran should be afforded a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any currently present thoracolumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for uterine fibroid and lumbar strain are being remanded due to incomplete information regarding her military service, need for VA examinations, and the need to obtain Social Security Administration records.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's claimed disabilities are related to his military service.

The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease was not incurred or aggravated by service, and his lumbosacral sprain with radiculopathy and degenerative changes is rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations. The TDIU claim for a specific period of time remains pending.

The Board denied service connection for depression, bilateral foot fungus, right shoulder disability, low back disability, and residuals of hepatitis. The Veteran's claims were reopened but not granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability was not incurred or aggravated by service and denied his claim.

The Board finds that further development is required to determine if the Veteran has any current residuals of his in-service back injury, including whether his current lumbar spondylosis is related to this injury. The case is therefore REMANDED for a VA examination.