Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's thoraco-lumbosacral strain is currently rated at 40 percent. The initial evaluations for lumbar radiculopathy of the left lower extremity are granted, with noncompensable ratings prior to December 28, 2005; a compensable rating from December 28, 2005 to March 2, 2007; and a noncompensable rating after March 3, 2007.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc space narrowing with bilateral facet arthropathy and stenosis is not manifested by forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, ankylosis, or incapacitating episodes having a total duration of 4 weeks during a 12 month period. Therefore, the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent have not been met.

The Board has decided to remand this case for further development, including a new VA examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for headaches, a low back disability, refractive error in left eye, and left eye astigmatism due to corneal scar as secondary to his service-connected shrapnel wounds. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current hypertension is not causally related to his military service, including as secondary to a service-connected lumbosacral strain. Therefore, the claim for service connection for hypertension is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder is being remanded due to unclear medical evidence regarding the nature and etiology of his current condition. The VA will provide an appropriate examination to assess whether any diagnosed low back disorder was incurred in or aggravated by his period of active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability is being remanded due to conflicting medical opinions and the newly raised theory of secondary service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetic retinopathy and degenerative joint disease (DJD) and degenerative disc disease (DDD) with scoliosis of the lumbar spine, finding no current diagnosis of these conditions and insufficient evidence to support a claim that they were incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and the need for a VA examination. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder is pending.

The Veteran's death was determined to be service-connected, and he was in need of regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities. The Appellant is therefore entitled to accrued benefits for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's right lower extremity sciatica is service connected, but his cervical spine degenerative disc disease does not warrant a higher initial evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and arthritis of both hips are being remanded due to incomplete medical records, including a lack of recent VA treatment records. The RO/AMC must obtain all relevant medical records and provide the Veteran with appropriate examinations to determine the current severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability is attributable to an in-service injury, and therefore grants service connection for a lumbosacral spine disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disorders, including spondylosis, degenerative disc disease, and osteoarthritis, are attributable to service. The evidence supports a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic back disorder, finding that his current condition was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and is not proximately due to or the result of a service-connected left ankle disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder, including disc disease and osteoarthritis, is being remanded due to the need for an examination and additional development of records.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining private treatment records from Drs. R. Cook and P. Jensen.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed knee, leg, cervical spine, lumbar spine, and carpal tunnel disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by active military service.

The Board found no evidence of a link between the Veteran's in-service injury and his current low back disorder, resulting in denial of service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disorder is attributable to a known clinical diagnosis and not due to an undiagnosed illness, thus denying service connection.