Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected recurrent low back pain with degenerative changes is not manifested by a limitation of forward thoracolumbar flexion to 30 degrees or less, or by favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. Therefore, his claim for a higher rating was denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected low back disorder was denied as the disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and a left knee disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to in-service low back pain. The issue of service connection for residuals of rib injury was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic low back pain with degenerative disc disease and migraine headaches. The cervical spine claim is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to verify her periods of active duty and inactive duty for training, obtain medical opinions regarding the etiology of her right shoulder, elbow, and back disorders, and consider her claim under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1117 (West 2002 & Supp. 2009) concerning undiagnosed illnesses.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected low back disability and bilateral sensorineural hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, valvular heart disease, right hand CTS, and bilateral plantar fasciitis with heel spur and pes planus have been granted initial ratings. The lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding service connection for low back, bilateral shoulder, and left knee disorders. The Veteran's claims are also remanded for proper VCAA notice.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is likely related to his active military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, as well as his bilateral hand disabilities. The examiner found no objective evidence of organic pathology related to these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, back disability, residuals of right shoulder injury, and residuals of left shoulder injury are not related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and bilateral hearing loss. The claim for bilateral hearing loss was granted, but the claim for lumbar spine disorder remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his military service and have denied all of his claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities meet the criteria for a 10 percent disability rating, effective March 19, 2003.

The Board has determined that the appellant is in need of regular aid and attendance due to her multiple, severely disabling physical disabilities, including significant visual acuity and field of vision disorders. The evidence supports a finding that she requires assistance with activities such as dressing, basic hygiene, feeding, toileting, bending to tie shoe laces, and walking at night.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including prostate cancer, bilateral elbow disabilities, DJD of hips and knees/ankles, plantar calcaneal spur, low back disability, loss of teeth, and bilateral hearing loss. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service.

The Veteran is found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities, specifically chronic lumbar strain with degenerative changes and PTSD. His fragment wound scar of the left arm warrants a 10 percent rating.

The Board has ordered additional development of the Veteran's service treatment records to determine if there are any medical records from his hospitalization following a parachute accident in service. The Veteran is seeking service connection for various injuries and conditions, but the appeal will be remanded due to incomplete evidence.