Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that further development is required before the claims on appeal may be adjudicated. The Veteran needs to undergo a VA examination for his back, neck, and arthritis conditions, as well as a psychiatric evaluation to determine if he has PTSD and its etiology.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was denied. The RO found that prior to January 23, 2007, his disability did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to missing STRs and need for further development, including medical examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a right ankle injury, bilateral foot disability, and lumbar disc disease were denied as there is no competent evidence showing these conditions are related to active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disorder is attributable to his military service and granted his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disorder was denied as he failed to report for scheduled VA examinations without providing good cause.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability is being remanded due to the need for further evidentiary development.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating due to additional evidence that needs to be obtained, including Social Security Administration records and a VA examination. The Veteran is also asked to provide any relevant medical records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records from Dr. D.S.L., securing daily time sheets and unit attendance records, arranging for an orthopedic examination of the left knee, and readjudicating the claims.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a current diagnosis of Graves' disease or a back disorder, and there is no evidence to support service connection for these conditions. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a left knee disorder, neck disorder, lumbar spine disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)/hiatal hernia, irritable bowel syndrome, and erectile dysfunction, were denied. The RO also denied his claim for an initial compensable evaluation for a scar of the right buttock.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is 50 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a TDIU. However, his service-connected disabilities may render him unemployable due to their severity and nature. The claim will be referred to the Director, Compensation and Pension Service, for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further evidentiary development, including additional examinations and a dose estimate for his service-connected disabilities.

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

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea and an increased rating for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine.

The Veteran's initial compensable evaluation for service-connected left ankle sprain has been denied due to lack of evidence demonstrating marked or moderate limitation of motion, painful motion, or other functional impairment. The Veteran's osteoarthritis with degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbosacral spine is rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is proximately due to his service-connected left knee disability, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has reopened the claim and granted service connection for a low back disorder, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to an injury sustained during active service.