Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a herniated disc, cardiovascular disability, and lung disability. Service connection for neuropsychiatric disability is also granted as secondary to the service-connected low back disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected degenerative disc disease, lumbar spine and chondromalacia, left patella.

The veteran's service-connected mid and low back arthritis was rated at 100% disabling, but the claim for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 is denied as it did not meet the criteria of being continuously rated totally disabling for a period of ten years immediately preceding death.

The Board has granted service connection for fibromyalgia as it is caused by the veteran's service-connected low back strain with lumbar disc disease.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected low back disability and amputation of the right foot proximal to the metatarsal bone, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied reopening the veteran's claims for service connection for a stomach disorder and lumbar spine arthritis, finding no new and material evidence.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected DDD of the lumbosacral spine was granted. He also received a 100% SMC effective June 30, 2000, for LOU of both feet secondary to his service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed low back, neck, and left hip disorders were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The current diagnoses are not related to his previously service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling an examination.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder, including as secondary to his service-connected right knee disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of medical records and opinions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased rating for lumbosacral strain and service connection for cervical spine disability, finding that his current ratings were appropriate based on the evidence of record. The claim for PTSD was not discussed in detail as it is a separate issue.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing medical records and further examination or opinions.

The Board has found new and material evidence to reopen the claim for service connection of a back condition, which was previously denied in March 1988. The veteran's representative wishes to appear at a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability, finding that it is related to his period of active duty.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current low back disorder, bilateral hip disorder, or bilateral pes planus that is related to service. The stress fracture of the left foot also did not result in any current disability.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer, chronic sinusitis, plantar warts, and a low back disability. The appeals are dismissed as there is no evidence of in-service or postservice chronic conditions.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings for right knee, bilateral ankle, and low back disabilities. The appeals are dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if any current mid-to-upper back disability is related to service. The appellant's claim will be reviewed again after this additional development.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss, a higher disability evaluation for residuals of a fracture of the right radius and ulna, and a greater rating for low back disorder with degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease.

The veteran's appeal regarding service connection for a back condition is being remanded due to the failure to appear at his scheduled hearing.