Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a low back disability or kidney disability related to service, and thus the Veteran's claims for these conditions are denied.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected low back disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent prior to June 16, 2008 and did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 40 percent from June 16, 2008.

The Veteran's claim for increased evaluations for his degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was denied as he did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation prior to July 15, 2002 and on or after October 1, 2002.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the spine and hearing loss, finding no medical nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the percentage criteria for a TDIU rating, but further examination is needed to determine if he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a psychiatric disability and a low back disability on a direct basis, finding that new and material evidence was not received to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Board granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of his hips and lumbar spine, but denied higher initial ratings. The case was remanded to reassess the severity of the disabilities at issue.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a grant of benefits in any of the issues.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine the etiology of his left rib arthritis and its potential effects on his shoulder condition and low back disability.

The Board denied the claims for increased ratings for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, as well as initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for migraine headaches and major depressive disorder. The appeal was not about service connection.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant, and thus is dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine, polymyositis of the lower extremities, and hypertension are all granted.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for low back disability was denied. The RO found that the disability did not meet criteria for a higher rating based on extra-schedular consideration or any other service connection theory.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected low back disorder is denied as the evidence does not show that he has experienced incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome over the past year.

The Veteran's hypertension, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and skin rash were not found to be service-connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder is not proximately due to or aggravated by a service-connected disability. The claim for service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an eye disability, a back disability, and schizophrenia. The decision also addressed whether new and material evidence had been received to reopen these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him bedridden or incapable of attending to personal self-care functions, and thus he is not entitled to special monthly compensation at the aid and attendance rate or at the housebound rate.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher initial ratings under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Veteran seeks an evaluation in excess of 10 percent disabling for a back disability. The case is REMANDED to the RO via the Appeals Management Center (AMC) in Washington, DC, due to lack of recent medical records and need for a VA examination.