Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling VA examinations and readjudicating the claims based on all evidence of record.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an increased rating for his spine disorder. The veteran does not currently suffer from PTSD, and his compression fracture of T5-6-7 with low back disability has not resulted in unfavorable ankylosis or neurological abnormalities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to changes in rating criteria and need for updated medical records.

The Board found that there is no evidence of shrapnel wounds to the legs in service, and no competent evidence of a nexus between any current arthritis of the legs and the veteran's period of active service. The claim for low back pain with spinal stenosis at L3-5, degenerative disc changes, and facet joint osteoarthritis was also denied as there is no evidence of a chronic low back disorder in service or within one year after service. Service connection for C6 fracture with quadriplegia as secondary to service-connected coronary artery disease and arteriosclerosis, status post coronary artery bypass graft, was denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for lumbosacral strain and status-post laparoscopic enterolysis are denied as his conditions do not warrant higher ratings under the applicable rating criteria.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA spine examination and readjudication of his claims.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for a low back disorder, including a herniated nucleus pulposus at L5-S1. The veteran's representative was advised of his rights under VCAA.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing service medical records and clarification of certain claims.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and a right knee disorder due to incomplete medical records, lack of examination, and other procedural issues.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for an anxiety disorder, degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability secondary to the right knee disability and denied increased ratings for right knee instability and arthritis. The claim of entitlement to a total rating based on individual unemployability was granted.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's low back disorder, but further development is needed to determine an appropriate rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected lumbosacral strain with bilateral foraminal stenosis L3-4, L5-S1 and degenerative arthropathy L2-3, L5-S1 as it found that a rating in excess of 60 percent is not warranted under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board found that the veteran's current back disability is not related to his service-connected knee disability, and thus denied the claim for secondary service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need to verify the veteran's reported in-service stressor for PTSD and to obtain a statement of the case regarding the back disorder issue.

The Board found that the veteran's arthritis of the right knee, both hands, wrists, and cervical and lumbar spine is not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected left knee disabilities.

The veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 40 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a more contemporary VA examination.

The veteran's appeal involves increased ratings for various knee and back conditions, including DJD of the lumbosacral spine, bursitis of the right trochanteric bursa, arthritis, instability, and postoperative residuals of a medial meniscectomy. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examinations.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The Board has determined that the reduction in the rating for the veteran's lumbar spine disability from 60 percent to 20 percent was proper, and the criteria for a higher rating are not met.