Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board denied a rating higher than 20 percent before June 20, 2008, and a rating higher than 40 percent from that date for the low back disability. The decision also denied separate ratings for objective neurological abnormalities of the right and left lower extremities.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was not found to warrant a rating in excess of 40 percent, and he was also denied a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for an ear disorder and lumbar spondylosis, as there was no evidence of a current disability related to service.

The Board granted service connection for low back strain, finding that it originated during the Veteran's active duty.

The Veteran's postoperative residuals of a left knee injury are manifested by complaints of pain and episodes of locking, with objective findings of pain with motion, tenderness, joint effusion, mild crepitus, and use of a brace. There is no evidence of ankylosis, subluxation, or lateral instability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service injury or symptomatology related to his back and that his current condition is less likely than not associated with his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for frostbite residuals of the upper and lower extremities, a back disability, and left ear hearing loss as there was no evidence of current disabilities related to his military service.

The Board denied the claims for an earlier effective date, service connection for the cause of death, and DIC benefits.

The Board remanded the case for additional development and adjudication, including obtaining records from Social Security Administration and VA Medical Center.

The Board finds that the veteran's current back disability is more likely than not due to in-service manifestations and grants service connection.

The appeal was remanded for additional development, including a VA examination and opinion.

The Board denied service connection for a shortened right leg, a right hip disability, and the reopening of a previously-denied claim for a back disability.

The claim was dismissed due to the Veteran's failure to provide requested evidence or information within one year of request, which is necessary for a decision on the merits.

The Veteran's cervical radiculopathy of the left upper extremity is rated as 20 percent disabling, and his degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran's low back strain disability is increased to a 40 percent rating, as the evidence shows functional limitation of flexion to 20 degrees during flare-ups.

The appeal is remanded to schedule the Veteran for an orthopedic examination to determine if his service-connected low back disability prevents him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied service connection for an upper back disability and a left knee disability as there was no evidence of current disabilities. The claim for a low back disability was remanded for further development.

The Board denied the claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and DDD and arthritis of the lumbar spine, as no disability was shown in service or for many years thereafter, and there is no evidence to support that these disabilities are related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, rectum injury, and hepatitis C as there was no evidence of a current disability related to his military service.

The claims for service connection for a low back condition, right knee condition, bilateral hearing loss, and eye condition were reopened based on new and material evidence but ultimately denied.