Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has granted an initial disability rating of 20 percent for the veteran's service-connected residuals of fragment wound to the back, which is analogous to impairment of Muscle Group XX. The veteran does not have a compensable rating for his scar due to lack of evidence of disabling manifestations. Service connection was denied for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine as it is not related to military service.

The veteran's claim for a temporary total evaluation under 38 C.F.R. § 4.29 and 4.30 was denied because the surgery performed at a VA medical center on October 29, 2001, pertained to a nonservice-connected cervical spine disability.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claims can be fully adjudicated.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting a new examination to determine the current level of the veteran's disability. The veteran is also referred to provide any evidence in their possession that pertains to the claim.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the Chicago RO for a Travel Board hearing at the earliest practical date.

The VA determined that the veteran's spondylolisthesis of the lumbosacral spine warrants a 20 percent evaluation, effective from the date of his claim.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim and found that new evidence supports a finding of service connection for a back disorder. The current evidence is sufficient to establish that the veteran incurred this condition during his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of records.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding the relationship between the veteran's service-connected left knee disorder and his claimed low back disability. The rating for chondromalacia of the left knee remains under review.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a back disorder and denied all other claims due to lack of evidence linking the claimed conditions to active service.

The veteran's disabilities, including a CVA with left hemiparesis (30%), arthritis of the shoulders, knees, and lumbar spine (10%), and hypertension (10%), do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension benefits based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder is being remanded due to the failure to appear at scheduled VA examinations and the need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete notification and potential need for additional examinations.

The veteran's claims for neck injury, low back disability, and bilateral foot disability are being remanded due to the need for further examination and opinion regarding their etiology.

The veteran's service-connected low back disorder and dysthymic disorder do not preclude him from obtaining and retaining all forms of substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a head injury, including cervical spine disorder, finding no evidence linking these conditions to military service.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claims for service connection have been denied as new and material evidence has not been received to reopen them.

The Board found that the veteran's current low back disability is not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that his heart disease and hypertension were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The veteran's claim of entitlement to a permanent and total disability rating for pension benefits is being remanded due to the need for proper notification, additional medical evidence, and an updated VA examination.