Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran withdrew his appeal concerning the issues of service connection for a bilateral shoulder and arm disability, a low back disability, and a right knee disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and development due to the need for a thorough examination of his spine condition, as well as an assessment of his ability to work.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her cervical spine disability was denied as there is no evidence of forward flexion limited to 15 degrees or less, nor ankylosis. The current 20 percent rating adequately reflects the severity of her condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's petition to reopen his previously denied claim of service connection for a back disability, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating and earlier effective dates for his service-connected low back disability is denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, finding that his current diagnosis of arthritic changes of the lumbar spine is related to an in-service vehicle rollover injury. The weight of evidence supports the claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a peroneal laceration of the labia was granted. The Board also found that her back disability, reactive airway disease with bronchitis, and bilateral hand numbness are related to active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection due to lack of new and material evidence, concluding that the pre-existing low back disorder was not permanently aggravated by his second period of military service.

The Veteran's right hip and right knee disabilities are not service-connected.,However, his left hip and left knee disabilities are found to be related to his service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative disease.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Warren Memorial Hospital from February 8, 2006 to February 13, 2006 meet the criteria for reimbursement under VA regulations.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected lumbosacral intervertebral disc syndrome is being remanded to the RO/AMC for additional development, including VA examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral patellofemoral arthritis of the knees and low back disorder are related to active military service, granting service connection for both conditions.,The Board also found in favor of the Veteran regarding his claim for residuals of a low back injury.

The Veteran's disability rating for residuals of a low back injury with degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, status-post discectomy and fusion of L4-S1, was increased to 40 percent effective October 28, 2009.

The Board has determined that a chronic low back disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to new evidence and reconsideration of the Veteran's service connection claim for a back disorder. The issue is now recharacterized as whether there was an in-service injury or aggravation that caused current back disorders.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including medical examinations and opinions regarding his claimed conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and migraine headaches did not have their onset in active service or within one year of active service, and thus denied service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's claimed back disorder. The Veteran is required to report for this examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for financial assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to lack of loss of use of both lower extremities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate review of the Veteran's private treatment records.