Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a nexus between the appellant's current left ankle and back disorders and his active service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The VA determined that the veteran's low back disability does not meet the criteria for an initial rating higher than 20 percent, as it did not cause severe limitation of motion in the thoracolumbar segment or incapacitating episodes.

The veteran's claim for service connection for malaria was denied. The RO granted service connection for filariasis, post-traumatic headaches, and degenerative joint and disc disease of the lumbosacral spine with initial ratings in excess of 10 percent. A 40% rating is assigned for degenerative joint and disc disease of the lumbosacral spine effective October 19, 2005.

The Board finds that the veteran's cervical spine disorder is not service-connected and denied his claim. The NOD regarding the denial of a higher rating for lumbar spine disability was timely filed.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lumbar spine disorder and right hip disorder are service-connected, with no compensable evaluation assigned.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and a VA orthopedic examination.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's back disorder and finds that his current colon condition is not due to or aggravated by his service-connected back disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran meets the criteria for special monthly pension based on his need for regular aid and attendance, as evidenced by his inability to perform many daily functions unassisted.

The Board has granted service connection for low back and bilateral knee disabilities, with a 20 percent rating assigned for the low back disability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and residuals of a low back injury. However, the evidence does not establish current disabilities as defined by VA standards.

The veteran is seeking service connection for scoliosis with right thoracic and left lumbar curvature, which he claims is related to his gunshot wound of the left thigh. The VA has ordered additional development including obtaining private medical records and scheduling a VA orthopedic examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a new VA examination and consideration of certain evidence. The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are pending.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and considering them in their decision.

The Board denied the claim for secondary service connection for a back disability, finding that the most persuasive medical opinion evidence established that the veteran's current back disability is not related to his service-connected bilateral knee disability.

The veteran's service-connected low back disability warrants initial staged ratings of 10 percent prior to January 31, 2005, and 20 percent from that date; a rating in excess of 20 percent is not warranted for any period of time during the appeal period.

The claim for an increased rating for a low back disability is being remanded due to inadequate neurological examination findings.

The Board has granted the appellant's request to reopen his claims of service connection for back disability and diabetes mellitus, finding new and material evidence that suggests a continuity of symptomatology since service. The appellant maintains that his current conditions are related to exposure to Agent Orange during military service.

The veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, hip and back disorders, as well as numbness in his hands and feet. The case has been remanded to obtain additional medical records, determine the nature of any current diagnoses, and provide VA examinations.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and a chest disability, finding no current evidence of such disabilities resulting from his in-service injuries.

The Board found that the veteran's low back disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim for service connection.