Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The veteran's appeal is denied as his claim for an increased evaluation of his low back strain and radiculopathy to the left lower extremity from September 26, 2003 was not granted. The current rating of 20% remains unchanged.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully evaluate the veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and conducting further examinations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, with spinal stenosis, disc bulging, and right leg pain were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The residuals of a gunshot wound to the midline lumbar region are currently manifested by a well-healed scar without evidence of any limitation of function due to scarring.

The Board denied service connection for osteoarthritis of the knees and a lumbar condition, finding that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The veteran's estranged spouse is seeking an increased monthly apportionment of the veteran's disability compensation benefits. The RO awarded a special apportionment of $250 per month to the veteran's spouse, but additional development and consideration are needed due to procedural issues.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing.

The Board has denied the veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection of a back disability, finding that new and material evidence was not received.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of back injury, degenerative disc disease, sacroiliac disability, facet joint arthritis, and spondylolisthesis. The Board also denied his claim for congenital neural arch defect and spondylolysis.

The veteran's intervertebral disc syndrome is manifested by slight to moderate limitation of motion without functional loss, and does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has ordered a VA examination to determine if the veteran's back disability is related to his active duty service. The case is being remanded for this purpose.

The VA determined that the veteran does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance due to his inability to perform basic activities of daily living without assistance.

The Board has determined that the veteran's tinnitus is related to his in-service combat-related acoustic trauma and granted service connection for this condition.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability was reopened, but the claim remains denied. The denial of compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for additional disability of the fifth toe of the right foot as a result of VA surgical treatment in 1996 is upheld. The veteran's claims for initial compensable evaluations for chronic fungus infection of the feet are also denied.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities and determine if they are related to service.

The Board found no evidence of hypertension being incurred during service or within one year post-service, and thus denied the claim for service connection. The veteran's 'borderline hypertension' was not considered to be related to his military service.

The Board has found that the veteran's appeal is REMANDED to the RO for additional development, including obtaining SSA disability benefits records and ensuring VCAA notification requirements are met.

The veteran's claim is being remanded for a video conference hearing and further consideration.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for Peyronie's disease, benign prostatic hypertrophy, sensory polyneuropathy, nicotine dependence, chronic respiratory disorder (likely COPD with bronchitis), and a low back disorder. The appeals were withdrawn by the veteran.

The Board has determined that the veteran's degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine and lumbosacral spine are causally related to combat injuries suffered during his service in Vietnam.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The acquired mental disorder, low back condition, right upper extremity weakness, duodenal ulcer, and hemorrhoids are all rated at the maximum allowed by law.