Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine has not met the criteria for a compensable rating from November 4, 2004 to April 27, 2006 and has not met the criteria for a disability rating higher than 20 percent since April 28, 2006.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbosacral strain and arteriosclerosis obliterans of the right leg, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active military service.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for all issues related to service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability and a back disability. The Board also found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disability began in service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations, records requests, and a DRO hearing.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than September 8, 2003, for a 20% disability rating for lumbosacral strain with disc herniation. The RO assigned this rating based on evidence showing that the increase in disability occurred prior to September 8, 2003.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, bilateral defective hearing, and tinnitus were denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining missing service treatment records and contacting SSA regarding the Veteran's disability benefits claim.

The appellant withdrew his appeals for the issues of service connection for a back disability, residuals of a spinal cord injury, residuals of a left clavicle fracture, and chest disorder (asthma and mediastinal adenopathy).

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including providing the appropriate VA forms for assigning power of attorney to his representative and sending proper notice in connection with his claim for an increased evaluation. Additionally, a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any back disorder that may be present and to ascertain the severity and manifestations of his service-connected degenerative joint disease of the left knee.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder, degenerative changes of the left knee, and right leg disorder as secondary to his service-connected residuals of aseptic meningitis. The rating assigned remains at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed low back and left knee disabilities are not related to his military service, and thus denied these claims. The Veteran's headaches were also not found to be service-connected.

The Veteran's service-connected low back disability was not productive of limitation of motion to 30 degrees prior to March 4, 2009. The RO denied ratings in excess of 20 percent for the period before March 4, 2009 and denied a rating in excess of 40 percent after that date.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for DDD with herniated nucleus pulposus, lumbosacral spine and an initial compensable evaluation for neuropathy of the left lower extremity from April 4, 2006.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected left lumbar myofascial pain syndrome with DDD of the lumbosacral spine and DJD of the left knee with history of medial collateral ligament strain were denied. The current ratings are 60 percent for the lumbar condition and 10 percent for the knee condition.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and conducting VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his PTSD and seizure disorder.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, finding that new and material evidence has been submitted. The claim will now be considered on its merits.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine and right knee disabilities are being remanded to allow for additional examinations and consideration of the evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination, and updating the claims file.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder, right knee disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD). The denial was based on lack of new and material evidence to reopen these claims.