Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's low back disability did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent, as his symptoms were consistent with a 40 percent rating prior to September 26, 2003. The Board found that he did not have incapacitating episodes or unfavorable ankylosis.

The Board granted a 30 percent rating for the Veteran's left knee disability effective August 22, 2006. The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was not rated higher.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service connection claims for various disabilities, and the case is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and SSA disability benefits information.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for an extraschedular evaluation based on his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for chondromalacia of the right knee, chondromalacia of the left knee, and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine. The claims are granted as these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent effective March 9, 2007.,The Veteran also seeks TDIU based on his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral knee disability, residuals of cold injury to the hands, and back disability. The dental condition claim was not addressed as it did not meet the criteria.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder, finding that new and material evidence had been submitted but not sufficient to reopen the claim on its merits.

The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine, with spinal stenosis, is rated at 60 percent and his TDIU claim is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for a lower back disability and denied the Veteran's claims regarding other issues, including reopening of his skin condition claim and increased ratings for PTSD and diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability is service-connected, and affords him the benefit of the doubt in this matter.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder, characterized as chronic lumbosacral strain, is service-connected. The cervical spine issue remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current skin disorder, including dermatitis and dermatophytosis, is related to his military service. The low back disability is also found to be related to his service. Benign prostatic hypertrophy is not shown to be attributable to active service. Chronic bilateral knee disability was not manifest in service or within one year of separation therefrom, and is not shown to be attributable to active service.

The Board found that the appellant's current back disability is not causally related to his active service or any incident therein, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for clarification of whether the Veteran's low back disorder is related to service or a service-connected disability, and if so, whether it qualifies as a qualifying chronic disability under 38 C.F.R. § 3.317.

The Board found that the Veteran's back disorders did not begin in service and are not related to his service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to unclear requests and need for additional evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic back and neck disorders is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder was denied as he failed to report for a scheduled VA examination without good cause.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder is not related to his active service and therefore denied service connection for this condition.