Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's post-operative lumbar spine degenerative disc disease was granted a 20 percent evaluation effective November 10, 2008.

The Veteran's appeal includes two issues: a request for an initial higher evaluation for his service-connected lumbar spine disability and a request for an initial compensable evaluation for his service-connected bunion of the left great toe. The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including scheduling VA examinations to assess the current severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's low back strain is currently rated at 40 percent, the maximum rating available. The evidence does not support a higher evaluation as there is no unfavorable ankylosis of the spine.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for additional examinations. The Veteran's claims for service connection are pending.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 40 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine at L5-S1, with stenosis was denied. The RO assigned a 40% rating effective from July 7, 2004.

The appellant seeks nonservice-connected pension benefits due to unemployability caused by various medical conditions. The case is remanded for further examination and rating of his disabilities.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a service-connected scoliosis of the thoracic spine, a psychiatric disorder including depression, or residuals of a xiphoidectomy. The low back disability, neck disability, respiratory disorder, headache disorder, and bilateral shoulder disability are also denied as not being related to her active service. Tinnitus is also denied.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation was denied as he does not meet the criteria for need of regular aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his lumbar strain and bilateral hearing loss, as well as TDIU. The Veteran's service-connected low back disability is currently rated at 20 percent, while his bilateral hearing loss is noncompensable.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is related to service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further examination and review of the claims file, including service treatment records and post-service treatment records. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his VA treatment records and readjudication.

The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 20 percent prior to October 16, 2008 and increased to 40 percent from that date. The decision is mixed as it addresses both a prior rating and a new effective date.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including new VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected lumbar strain, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and migraine headaches.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and right knee disability, resulting in denial of these claims.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication due to inconsistencies in the evidence. The appellant's claim will be reconsidered based on new information.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess his bilateral hand arthritis and low back disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to determine the current severity of his DDD, L4-L5 and any additional disability caused by a subsequent on-the-job injury. The case will be readjudicated after this development.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, finding that it is unrelated to a back injury during service or any other incidence of service.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and low back disability were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.