Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease at L5-S1, finding that it is as likely as not due to an injury sustained during active duty. The effective date of this decision is not specified.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a rash on both hands and an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his low back disability. The evidence did not support a finding that the current conditions were related to military service.

From April 13, 2001, through March 8, 2004, the criteria for a 20 percent evaluation have been met. On and after March 9, 2004, the criteria for a 40 percent evaluation have been met.

The Board has determined that the veteran's arthritis of the thoracic and lumbar spine is of service origin, granting his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder due to insufficient medical nexus evidence.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a cervical spine/neck disability with headaches. The claims for liver disorder, hip disorder, and erectile dysfunction secondary to multiple service-connected disabilities have been denied as there is no evidence of these conditions or a causal link to military service.

The veteran's service-connected L5-S1 lumbosacral spine fusion was rated at 20 percent since May 23, 2003.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have PTSD, a low back disability, a cervical spinal disability, bilateral eye disability, or skin rash. The right ankle and left knee disabilities are also denied as service connection is already granted for these conditions under another theory of service connection. The joint pain in hands, right wrist, and right shoulder, along with generalized muscle aches, have been previously granted service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back condition, finding that it is not attributable to his service or his service-connected flat feet.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the etiology of the veteran's current low back condition. The claim will be reconsidered with a new examination or opinion.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection and rating issues, as well as a petition to reopen his right knee injury claim. Additional development is needed including obtaining VA medical records, arranging for an orthopedic examination, and providing the veteran with another opportunity for a hearing.

The Board determined that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the claim for service connection of a back disorder.

The Board found that the veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was not incurred during service and denied his claim. The Board also found no evidence to support a finding that the veteran's current head injury residuals were incurred in service, thus denying this claim as well.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back degenerative changes are due to injury sustained during active military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The veteran's degenerative disc disease at L4-5 and L5-S1 is not productive of pronounced symptoms, while his right plantar fasciitis is not shown to be productive of more than moderate symptoms. The RO denied the veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding whether the veteran's current low back disability is related to his service-connected pes planus or knee disabilities.

The veteran's appeal was denied as the claim for a higher rating for his right knee disability and service connection for a low back condition were both found to be not warranted.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for keloid scars of the left foot and a higher initial rating for degenerative joint disease of the right knee.

The veteran's left knee and back conditions are service-connected, with the back condition aggravated by his service-connected left knee disorder.,Compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for post-operative residuals due to VA surgical treatment of the left knee is denied.

The Board granted a 40 percent rating for lumbosacral strain syndrome with superimposed degenerative disc disease of L5-S1 effective to October 16, 1995. The claim for service connection for bladder incontinence as secondary to service connected thoracolumbar spine disability is pending.