Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran's service-connected left foot disabilities caused or increased his low back disability, and to provide a rationale for any opinions.

The Board found that there is no evidence showing a right hip disorder or degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine was incurred in service, and thus denied the Veteran's claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms do not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent for his degenerative disc disease and associated conditions.

The Veteran's mechanical low back strain is currently rated at 40 percent, the highest available rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The evidence does not show that his disability warrants a higher rating.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher evaluation for his degenerative disc disease L5-S1 status post spinal fusion L4-S1 was granted, and he is currently assigned a 10 percent disability rating. The effective date of the grant remains pending as it has not been determined.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability. The Veteran's claims were denied due to lack of evidence showing a chronic condition in service or during an applicable presumption period, and no medical evidence linking his current condition to active service.

The Board found that the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was not incurred due to active service and is not related to his service-connected lumbosacral strain. Therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's low back disorders are found to be related to his in-service football injury, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a back disability was dismissed due to his failure to respond to requests for evidence within the required timeframe.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent since January 18, 2008 and additional ratings for radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities are granted effective September 8, 2009.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine is currently rated at 20 percent, and a higher rating of 40 percent has been granted.

The Board has ordered a remand to provide the Veteran with an adequate VA examination to determine the nature and current severity of his lumbar spine disorder, including whether it is related to service or secondary to his service-connected knee disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn with respect to the issues of service connection for COPD, right knee chondromalacia, and left knee post traumatic degenerative joint disease. The case is being remanded for additional development regarding cervical spine service connection.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee ligamentous strain, left knee injury, and low back disability. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability due to new and material evidence submitted since the August 1982 denial. The Veteran was also provided with an additional VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have a chronic low back disability or arthritis of the lumbar spine during service, and these conditions are not related to his active duty. The Board also determined that he did not have an acquired psychiatric disability in service or within one year after separation from service.

The Board denied service connection for post-concussion syndrome and low back disability. The Veteran's claim for TDIU was also denied.

The Board found no current diagnosis of a low back disability and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, and a bilateral foot disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The claims for service connection are therefore denied.

The Board has determined that the issue of service connection for a low back condition is not ripe for appeal and has ordered additional development to be completed.