Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease at L5-S1, but denied service connection for residuals of a torn right hamstring. The decision found that the appellant's current degenerative disc disease is related to his in-service injury.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a lack of compliance with previous instructions.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability and did not address the claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 40 percent for hepatitis C due to lack of evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a low back disability, finding that his current condition is not related to any incident in service and is not caused or aggravated by a service-connected disorder.

The Veteran's low back disability is now rated at 40 percent for accrued benefits purposes, and her gynecological disability is rated at 30 percent for accrued benefits purposes.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA outpatient treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current back disorder is related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic lumbosacral strain, with L4-S1 bulging disc and osteoarthritis, is rated at 40 percent. The neurological manifestations of the right lower extremity are not rated higher than 10 percent. The neurological manifestations of the left lower extremity are rated as non-compensable prior to July 17, 2009.

The Veteran's lumbar osteophytosis with bulging discs was initially rated at 10 percent from December 20, 2001 to October 20, 2005 and from February 1, 2006 to August 26, 2009. Beginning on August 26, 2009, the Veteran's disability was rated at 20 percent.,Effective August 26, 2009, the Veteran's lumbar osteophytosis with bulging discs warranted a rating of 20 percent.

The Board determined that the reduction of the disability evaluation for service-connected lumbosacral strain with limitation of motion from 30% to 10% was proper.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional evidence, including SSA administrative decisions and medical records related to the Veteran's back condition. The RO must provide a comprehensive definition of 'new and material' evidence in relation to the Veteran's petition to reopen his service connection claim.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for entitlement to service connection for a lower back disability as it does not have jurisdiction due to lack of timely filed substantive appeal.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for lower back and left knee disorders, finding new and material evidence. The claims are granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to the possibility of increased severity since the last VA examination.

The VA determined that the Veteran's current low back disorder is not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for a lower back disability and shortening of the right lower extremity, finding that there is sufficient evidence to support these claims based on direct service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were pending at the time of his death, and he had submitted a timely appeal. As such, accrued benefits are granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully and fairly assess the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's tinnitus is not service-connected and denied his claim for lumbosacral strain due to lack of evidence showing a connection between his current condition and service.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for any of the claimed disabilities, including disability of the thoracolumbar spine and cervical spine.

The Board has granted service connection for thoracolumbar strain with scoliosis and PTSD, assigning initial ratings of 10 percent effective January 19, 2006. The Veteran's thoracolumbar strain with scoliosis is currently rated at 20 percent.