Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that the veteran's current low back and left hip conditions are not service-connected, as they were either acute and resolved without residual disability or related to natural aging processes.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for his service-connected low back strain, with L4-5 disc bulge.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for asthma and bronchitis, including as secondary to nicotine dependence or tobacco use, and for a back disorder. The claim of service connection for hepatitis C is being remanded.

The veteran's appeal is for an increased rating for his service-connected spondylolithesis of the lumbar spine with degenerative changes and radiculopathy. The RO has granted service connection but did not address whether a higher initial rating was warranted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and low back disability are not related to his service, with the exception of a single incident in 1972 where he reportedly injured his back while falling off a wall. The Board found no evidence supporting a connection between these conditions and his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for low back disorder, osteoarthritis of the sacral and hip joints, and autonomic neuropathy.

The veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 40 percent, and the claim for a higher rating has been denied. The issue of entitlement to TDIU remains pending.

The Board found that the appellant's current low back disability is not related to an in-service injury or disease, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded for additional development and due process concerns, including providing a Veterans Claims Assistance Act (VCAA) letter.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection of back disability due to new and material evidence submitted since the last denial. The issue is now remanded for further development.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the veteran's neck injury with chronic strain and degenerative disc disease C6-7, effective from February 1, 2002. The other issues were not addressed as they are inextricably intertwined with the neck issue.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA examination to address the etiology of the veteran's low back disability.

The Board has granted a compensable evaluation (10%) for the veteran's low back sprain, but denied service connection for his right hip disability.

The veteran's appeal is remanded to determine if an increased rating for his service-connected arthritis of the lumbar spine should be granted, and to consider revised rating criteria.

The VA denied an increased evaluation for residuals of hemorrhagic fever, to include arthralgia of the low back and right ankle. The veteran's disability is currently rated at 10 percent.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected conditions are being remanded due to the need for compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 and additional development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development of evidence to determine the current status and etiology of the veteran's claimed disabilities, including hearing loss, malaria residuals, cold injury to the feet, PTSD, back disorder, knee disorders, respiratory disorder, and diabetes mellitus.

The veteran is seeking service connection for a low back disability that he claims was caused by his service-connected left ankle and foot disabilities. The case has been remanded to obtain SSA records related to the veteran's Social Security disability benefits claim.

The veteran's claims for service connection for prostatitis with chronic urethritis and left epididymitis, as well as degenerative disc disease of the L5 spine with spondylosis and right-sided radiculopathy, were granted effective August 8, 2002.

The veteran is seeking to reopen his claim for service connection of lumbosacral strain. The Board has decided that new and material evidence must be provided before the claim can be reconsidered.