Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for low back disability (spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis) incurred during active service, with the left shoulder disorder being considered as aggravated by this pre-existing condition. The Veteran's claims are now fully resolved.

The Veteran's lumbar spine dysfunction was initially rated at 10 percent before December 6, 2008 and increased to 40 percent from that date. The appeal is granted.

The Board denied the claim on appeal, finding that there is no medical evidence showing a link between the Veteran's current low back disorder and his military service.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD (including bipolar disorder), antisocial personality disorder, a back disability, and headaches. The Board found that there was no evidence of in-service stressors or a link between any current disabilities and active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development of his claims file.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for his thoracolumbar sprain and patellofemoral syndrome of the right and left knees were denied. The Veteran was granted a higher rating of 10 percent for patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee, effective November 23, 2004.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back condition and bilateral shoulder condition, finding no evidence of an in-service injury or disease that would support a grant of service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease, L4-L5 is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of his case.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disorder has been reopened and is granted. The Veteran also received an increased rating for his impotence, claimed as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disorder, and was granted a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for patellar tendonitis of the knees and a low back strain have been denied as his conditions do not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's low back disability has been rated at 40 percent disabling, but the Board found that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the claim, but it did not provide sufficient evidence to establish service connection for a back disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling an examination to evaluate his dental and mouth conditions.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for cervical spine arthritis, effective from the date of the July 2007 rating decision. The right hip disability and lumbar spine disability claims are remanded.

The Veteran is entitled to payment or reimbursement for unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private hospital due to emergency treatment received on May 29, 2006. VA facilities were not feasibly available and the condition was considered an emergency.

The Board found that the Veteran's back disability existed before service and was not aggravated by service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee, left knee, and low back disabilities are being reviewed to determine if they prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee and back disabilities did not develop as a result of service, and therefore denied his claims for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a muscle injury of the right leg and a low back condition as secondary to a muscle injury of the right leg, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hypertension and degenerative disc disease of L5-S1, finding that the evidence did not warrant a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.