Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The veteran's claims for service connection have been denied, and the dental trauma claim is not reopened. The heart disorder claim due to Agent Orange exposure has also been denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disorder is service-connected, as it was incurred during his active duty. However, there is no evidence of a current diagnosis of PTSD and thus this issue remains unresolved.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected low back disability is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and an examination.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and the increased ratings for cervical spine degenerative disc disease and lumbar spine strain. The veteran was not granted any benefits in these claims.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected chronic lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease is being remanded due to the need for VCAA compliance and consideration of new rating criteria.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD and schizophrenia, finding no competent evidence linking the current condition to active duty. The claim of a back disability was also denied as there is no competent evidence showing it began during or due to active duty.,There is no credible evidence linking either the diagnosed psychiatric disorder or the back disability to service.

The veteran's claims for increased rating and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and clarification of her hearing request.

The Board has determined that the submitted evidence does not relate any of the claimed conditions to service, and thus, the claims are denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left knee and back disorders, as well as his claim for an increased rating for traumatic arthritis of the right knee. The evidence received since the June 1984 decision was not considered new and material.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for service-connected low back strain and left knee degenerative joint disease due to additional development of medical records and a VA examination.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine (rated at 40%), hysterectomy (30%), history of avulsion fracture with fibromyalgia (20%), duodenal ulcer (10%), and residual scars from neck skin tag removal (noncompensable), result in a combined rating of 70%. The veteran is granted TDIU due to her service-connected disabilities, which preclude her from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder, including scoliosis. The evidence did not link his current diagnoses to service.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected lumbosacral strain and schizophrenia are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including new VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to determine if the veteran's current low back, left knee, and depression conditions are related to service or any other relevant factors.

The veteran's claim for an effective date prior to March 21, 2001 for service connection of mechanical low back strain with L4-5 and L5-S1 mild disc bulge was granted. The effective date is based on the date entitlement arose, which is March 21, 2001.

The Board denied service connection for a disorder of the fingers of the right hand due to lack of evidence of current disability and no in-service injury or illness related to this condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have arthritis of multiple joints as a result of service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the appellant's claim for service connection for a back disability. The March 1992 RO decision denying service connection remains final.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection on a secondary basis for low back and left knee disabilities. The claims are granted as both conditions were found to be proximately due to or the result of his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to procedural issues, including a need for additional development.