Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and right knee chondromalacia patella were denied as there is no evidence of incapacitating episodes or separately compensable neurologic symptoms, and the functional limitations do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for his low back disability is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and an opinion regarding the etiology of his condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current degenerative disc disease/degenerative joint disease cervical spine condition is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back strain and muscle spasms are secondary to her service-connected left knee disability, which aggravated her pre-existing back condition.

The Board is remanding the case to the RO for further development, specifically obtaining ship's logs from the USS Southerland for February 1962.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, left knee osteoarthritis, or major depressive disorder that is related to his military service, including being secondary to a service-connected right knee disability. Therefore, these claims are denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied across multiple conditions, including PTSD, chloracne, hypertension, hepatitis C infection, and a lung disability. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected low back disability, characterized as L5-S1 degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis with radiculopathy, status post lumbar fusion and laminectomy, resulted in severe post-operative residuals that required convalescence until at least December 13, 2002. The Board granted an extension of a temporary total rating based on the need for convalescence following surgery.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar disc disease warrants a rating of 10 percent, effective October 1, 2003.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for her service-connected shoulder and spine disabilities are being remanded to allow for additional development of the evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for a hearing at the appellant's local regional office.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for low back pain due to osteochondroma, status-post excision of L4 tumor and L5-S1 diskectomy with L5 hemilaminectomy was denied. The current rating of 40% is the maximum available under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar degenerative disc disease is denied. The Board finds that a new VA examination is necessary to determine the current severity and extent of his service-connected condition.

The Veteran seeks service connection for right hip arthritis, left hip arthritis, and a low back disability. The Board finds the VA examination inadequate and remands the case for further development.

The Board found no evidence of a low back disability during service and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection. The Board also found that there is insufficient medical evidence to establish a link between avascular necrosis of the bilateral hips and service, specifically noting the lack of any in-service complaints or treatment related to hip pain.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's current nervous disorder or back disability to his military service, including his time in Vietnam. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased initial disability rating for his service-connected chronic lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.