Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The veteran's service-connected lumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome has been manifested by symptoms no greater than objective complaints of pain, subjective complaints of spasm, and clinical findings consistent with severe limitation of motion. Ankylosis, pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome with persistent symptoms compatible with sciatic neuropathy or intervertebral disc syndrome with incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least six weeks during the past 12 months is not shown. The veteran's disability picture does not present an exceptional or unusual disability picture.

The Board has remanded the veteran's appeal due to a lack of consideration of lay statements and missing service medical records. The case must be returned for further development, including obtaining Army National Guard and Army Reserve medical and personnel records.

The veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 was denied as he did not incur additional disability, including nerve damage to the lumbar spine, as a result of surgery at a VA facility.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a back disability, finding that it is not established as directly related to his military service.

The veteran's claims for service connection, effective dates earlier than specified dates, and initial ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and the need for further examination.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn before the Board could make a decision.

The veteran's claim of CUE in the September 1975 rating decision, which reduced his disability rating for chronic low back sprain from 10 percent to noncompensable, is granted.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for lumbosacral strain is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing service medical records and outstanding private medical records.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis for each claimed condition and there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service. Therefore, service connection is denied for all claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and requests for additional information. The veteran's low back disorder is still under review.

The veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings and service connection for various conditions. The RO has granted a 20 percent rating for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, but the cervical-thoracic spine and right shoulder disabilities are not currently rated under the old criteria due to their protected status. The case is being remanded for further development including additional VA examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete medical records and due process concerns.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has granted a 60 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected low back disability and has denied increased evaluations for asthma. The TDIU claim is also granted.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claim for service connection of a chronic low back disorder, and denied his increased evaluation for left knee fracture residuals.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current low back disorder, including degenerative disc disease, is not related to service and therefore denied his claim for service connection. The Board also found no evidence of a current foot disorder.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar strain with L5-S1 disc protrusion and degenerative disc disease was granted, with the effective date set at September 23, 2002. The right and left lower extremity radiculopathy claims were also granted, each receiving a 40 percent evaluation as of September 23, 2002.