Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, claimed as a back disorder, is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and consider new evidence.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was increased to 40 percent effective January 5, 2006. His claim for incomplete paralysis of the right lower extremity remains unresolved.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination and issuance of an SOC regarding his right lower extremity claudication claim.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for service-connected lumbar spondylosis with degenerative disc disease was denied. The initial rating prior to February 8, 2007 was found not to meet the criteria for an increase in disability compensation. From February 8, 2007, the criteria were also not met.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a low back disability that had onset during his active service or is etiologically related to his active service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar strain, left ankle fracture, and left axonal sensory neuropathy were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and issuing a supplemental statement of the case.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine was denied as there is no competent evidence or opinion that there exists a medical nexus between her current low back disability and her military service or her service-connected osteoporosis.

The Board has dismissed the appeal because a timely substantive appeal was not received within the required time frame.

The Veteran's right shoulder disorder is not service connected, and his lumbar strain with degenerative joint disease has been rated appropriately based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining records of North Carolina disability benefits and a VA pulmonary examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, finding that new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen these claims.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for scheduling a videoconference hearing due to the Veteran's request. The appeal is also remanded for determining whether new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the claim for generalized arthritis.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for post-operative residuals of the left medial meniscus was denied. The Board found that there was no evidence of compensable limitation of motion or painful motion, and thus a noncompensable evaluation was assigned prior to September 30, 2008. Since then, he is rated at 10 percent for post-operative residuals of the left medial meniscus. Service connection for low back disorder as secondary to bilateral knee disorders was also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including scheduling of VA examinations and consideration of the appropriate rating criteria.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine is rated at 20 percent effective April 17, 2008. The RO granted an increased rating for this condition.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a back disorder. The appeal has been remanded due to the need to obtain Social Security Administration records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need for medical examinations and opinions regarding service connection for back pain and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbar strain with disc bulge at L4-L5 was denied as the evidence did not show flexion to fewer than 90 degrees or combined range of motion totaling less than 240 degrees.,The effective date for service connection for a left knee disability was denied as it was assigned after separation from service, and no earlier effective date is available under VA regulations.