Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including spondylolisthesis L5-S1 with secondary myositis of dorsal and lumbar paravertebral muscles; myositis of the cervical paravertebral muscles; spondylolisthesis L5-S1 with secondary myositis of the cervical dorsal lumbar paravertebral muscles; residuals of fracture of the right clavicle with deformity; and duodenal ulcer disease with duodenitis, meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU. However, VA has not determined whether these disabilities alone preclude her from obtaining or engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Board found that hepatitis C was not incurred in or aggravated by active duty, and denied the claim. For the low back disability, there is conflicting evidence regarding its current severity and etiology, necessitating further examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's current low back disability did not begin in service and is not related to his service-connected right knee disability, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including prostate cancer, hypothyroidism, sterility, vision disorder, heart disease, blood disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, and radiation burns, are denied as there is no competent medical evidence showing a relationship between these conditions and exposure to ionizing radiation during active service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were granted, with the cervical spine disability receiving a 20% rating effective from January 19, 2009. The lumbar spine and right tibia/fibula fracture disabilities each received a 20% rating.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability and the claim of residuals of circumcision. The Veteran's current low back disability is not considered to have had its onset during service, nor was it found to be related to an injury or disease in service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination and VCAA notice.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing condition was aggravated by active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for clarification regarding which service-connected disability causes his unemployability and whether there are any other factors that may affect his employability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD and a back disability, finding that there was no evidence to support a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back and cervical spine disorders, as well as his swelling of the wrist, fingers, and knees, were not incurred or aggravated by service. The gastrointestinal disorder was also denied due to lack of evidence connecting it to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further development of his claim, including obtaining VA medical records and arranging for a neurological examination.

The Board found that the submitted evidence was not material to reopen the claim of service connection for a low back condition.

The Veteran has withdrawn all of his appeals, and the Board does not have jurisdiction to review these claims.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for arthritis of the cervical spine was granted. The claim to reopen his disability of the lumbar spine was denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a back disorder and remanded it for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining service personnel records and Workman's Compensation records. A VA examination is also needed to determine if the Veteran's current low back disability is related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right hand/wrist disability, right ankle disability, and cervical spine disability have been denied. The right hand/wrist disability is currently rated at 10% due to limitation of motion. The right ankle disability has been granted a 10% rating based on moderate instability with flare-ups approximately four to five times per month resulting in pain and swelling.

The Board denied service connection for low back pain and hearing loss disability, finding that the Veteran's current conditions did not manifest to a compensable degree within one year of discharge from service or were not proximately caused by her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, respiratory problems including sinusitis and/or rhinitis, right elbow disability, body aches and joint pain including low back, hip, neck and bilateral knee pain, sleep impairment, fatigue, night sweats, and memory loss. The claims are based on evidence that was reopened due to new and material information.