Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for an additional VA examination to assess the effect of his service-connected back disability on his employment, and to determine whether he is unemployable.

The Veteran's service-connected spondylolisthesis has not manifested severe intervertebral disc syndrome with recurring attacks or incapacitating episodes requiring bedrest prescribed by a physician. The current severity of the disability is due to nonservice-connected injuries, and he does not meet the criteria for an increased rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's low back disability, post-traumatic arthritis of the lumbar spine, does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation as it does not result in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine less than 30 degrees or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the percentage rating standards for TDIU, but he is not currently unemployable due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's lumbosacral disability was initially evaluated at 10 percent prior to June 7, 2004. From that date, the disability warranted a higher evaluation of 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete records and a need for additional VA examinations.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's current low back disorder and his period of active service, concluding that any such condition is more likely due to aging-related degenerative changes. The Board denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for residuals of right shoulder, hip (other than right leg deep vein thrombosis), shin, and low back injuries were denied as the claimed disabilities are not considered to be caused by VA care.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine is causally related to an injury sustained during active duty service, specifically a fall from 20 to 35 feet in September 1975. Service connection for this condition is granted.

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

The Board denied service connection for a dental disorder, left knee condition, right knee condition, and low back disorder. The evidence submitted since the June 2003 decision is not new and material.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral and cervical strains are currently evaluated at the maximum available ratings, with no additional disability found to warrant higher evaluations.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if there is a nexus between the Veteran's in-service low back complaints and his current back disability.

The Veteran's low back disability, including spondylolysis and mild disc bulge, is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board found that the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and service connection have been addressed. The Board has granted the Veteran a 100 percent rating for PTSD, as well as an increase in his evaluation for diabetes mellitus with mild renal insufficiency, hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, and impotence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete examination reports and the need for additional medical records. The claim will be reconsidered with a focus on assessing the current severity of his service-connected low back injury, including any associated neurological symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a total evaluation based on individual unemployability due to his combined rating of 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities have been denied as there is no current medical evidence of chronic conditions on examination.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection of a lumbar spine disorder due to insufficient evidence regarding its onset and relationship to service. The case will be returned to the RO/AMC for further development, including obtaining records related to the Veteran's reported Workman's Compensation claim.

The Veteran's low back condition is being remanded for further examination and development due to the need for a nexus opinion regarding its relationship to service.