Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected low back disability and scars, residuals of inguinal hernias. The Veteran's low back condition was found to be manifested by limitation of motion with forward flexion limited to 45 degrees but not less than 30 degrees or more than 60 degrees, without ankylosis. His right peroneal nerve disorder resulted in sensory loss equivalent to mild, incomplete paralysis. The scars did not result in any functional impairment and were not tender or ulcerated.

The Veteran's low back pain syndrome with minimal neurological involvement was increased to a 40 percent rating effective January 6, 2010. Prior to that date, the condition was rated at 20 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and awarded a 20 percent disability rating for lumbosacral strain, effective from July 18, 2007.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar spine stenosis, to include as secondary to his service-connected malaria, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of records.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disease of the lumbar spine is rated at 40 percent, and his right leg neuritis has been rated appropriately. The bilateral hearing loss ratings have also been determined to be appropriate.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a back disability, as the December 1973 rating decision is final.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate notice for a VA examination, and the appellant is an incarcerated veteran.

The Veteran's claims for increased initial ratings for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine with scoliosis, bilateral hearing loss with a history of cholesteatoma, and pansinusitis were denied. The RO assigned initial staged ratings based on the date of claim or VA examination findings.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's mid and low back disability is related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and providing VA examinations to address the etiology of the Veteran's claimed low back disorder, nerve damage of the right lower extremity, and right knee disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records from 1985 to 1998 and providing a clarifying medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any back disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee chondromalacia is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board found that the evidence does not support a higher rating, and denied his claims for increased ratings for left ankle, hip, and low back disorders as secondary to the service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for his service-connected fracture, first and second lumbar vertebrae is being remanded due to the Veteran not appearing at a scheduled Board hearing. The case will be rescheduled for a travel Board hearing.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the medical evidence and the need for a comprehensive examination to determine if any currently diagnosed low back or neck disorder is related to the Veteran's active military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a low back condition were denied. The claim for TDIU was also denied.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions including a lumbar spine condition, left knee condition, arthritis, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to obtain all relevant medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability results in pain limiting his ability to flex his cervical spine to 15 degrees or less, but no ankylosis of the cervical spine. The Board finds that a 30 percent rating is warranted for this condition.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a lumbar spine disability that was caused or aggravated by his service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's back disorder was not incurred or aggravated during active service and is not related to his military service. The current condition is more likely due to a post-service motor vehicle accident.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis and disc disease of the lumbar spine, but denied service connection for neck disability and residuals from shrapnel wounds. The Veteran's current back condition is deemed to be due to an in-service motor vehicle accident (MVA). His neck disability is not related to his period of active service. Residuals from shrapnel wounds are also not related to service.