Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including sleep apnea, right and left shoulder tendonitis, depressive disorder, cervical spondylosis, lumbar degenerative discs, a left knee disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a left pelvic disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome, tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, sinus residuals of a rhinoplasty and septoplasty, a left foot disorder, hypertension, genitourinary (urethral) disorder, and rosacea on the nose, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since April 1, 2001. The Board finds that his service-connected disabilities meet the percentage criteria for TDIU throughout the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's current back disability is not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected low back disability was denied, and the TDIU claim was also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and multiple nevi, as well as increased ratings for PTSD. The Board found that his current conditions were not incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for his low back disability was denied. His temporary total rating based on convalescence following surgery was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical records and a supplemental opinion from a VA clinician regarding the nature, extent, onset, and etiology of any back disability found to be present.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to her request for a personal hearing. The Board cannot decide the appeal until she has been afforded this opportunity.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to failure to appear for VA examinations and for obtaining any outstanding medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and back disorder were not incurred in or aggravated by his military service, and thus denied these claims.

The Board has found that the Veteran's current low back disability did not originate in service and is not related to his active military service. As a result, the claim for service connection for a low back disorder is denied.

The Veteran's service connection claims for right leg radiculopathy, bilateral knee disorders, bilateral ankle disorders, and upper back disorder are granted. The Veteran currently has a diagnosis of lumbar radiculopathy with respect to his complaints of right leg pain, which is related to active military service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder, but additional development is required to determine if the claim should be granted on the merits and whether the neck disorder claim should proceed on a secondary causation basis. The VA will obtain relevant medical records from SSA and any other healthcare providers identified by the Veteran.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a back disability, but his service treatment records are unavailable due to a fire. The Board has ordered additional development including obtaining SSA records and private medical records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for a low back disorder, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service medical records and the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current lower back condition is related to an injury in service. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA orthopedic examination.

The Board has remanded the claims due to procedural issues and the need for further evidentiary development.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on four separate conditions have been withdrawn by the appellant.

The Veteran's headaches are secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The Board finds that the Veteran's left knee and bilateral hip disabilities are secondary to his service-connected low back disability, while his right hand disability is aggravated by combat operations during the Panama conflict.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining military records and VA treatment records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for low back disability is being reviewed.

The Veteran's lumbar strain is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board found that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.