Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's lumbar degenerative disc disease was initially rated as 10 percent disabling from January 1, 2004 to October 26, 2008. As of October 27, 2008, the disability is evaluated at a 20 percent rating. The Veteran's umbilical hernia claim was denied initially and has not been reopened.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA orthopedic examination to assess the nature and etiology of the Veteran's low back disorder, including partial sacralization of the L5 vertebrae. The examiner should provide opinions on whether it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's current low back disability was aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for arthritis of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Veteran's low back disability, rated as 20 percent disabling for chronic lumbosacral strain, is now rated at 40 percent due to the presence of incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability is not related to service and denied his claim.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a nasal injury, left knee disability (ACL tear), and lower back disability. The Veteran's claims are supported by credible accounts of in-service injuries and medical opinions linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current low back disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found no evidence of a service-connected back disability and denied the claim.

The Veteran's low back disorder, characterized by severe limitation of lumbar motion and pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome, has been rated at 60 percent effective from September 13, 2000.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine condition was denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between the current condition and his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability is currently manifested by pain and slight limitation of motion, while his headaches are characterized by prostrating attacks averaging one to two times a month. The RO denied higher initial ratings for both conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran, and a supplemental statement of the case must be issued.

The Veteran's service-connected strain, degenerative disc disease, and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine were not manifested by forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees, combined range of motion of thoracolumbar spine not greater than 120 degrees, or muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour such as scoliosis, reversed lordosis, or abnormal kyphosis. Therefore, the Veteran is not entitled to a higher evaluation.

The Board has not yet determined the outcome of this appeal as it is still in the process of reviewing new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and conducting examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities and determine whether any claimed conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for higher evaluations for L5 lumbar spondylosis was denied. The current evaluation of 20 percent is maintained.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is related to his period of active service and granted service connection for this condition, effective from the date of death.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 40 percent, and the Board denied his claims for increased rating, DEA, and TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied across multiple conditions, including psychiatric disorder, recurrent upper gastrointestinal bleeding, hypertension, post-concussion syndrome, bronchitis, transitional lumbar vertebra, neck strain, and seizure disorder. The appeals are based on direct service connection rather than presumptive or secondary theories.