Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The issue regarding residuals of a right ankle fracture was reopened, and the Board found that these residuals were incurred during active duty.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development due to incomplete service medical records and the need for a VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for further evidentiary development, including a VA medical examination.

The Board found that the veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, nor may it be presumed to have been incurred therein.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed low back disorder, neck pain, shoulder pain, rapid heartbeat and chest pains, and sensory disruptions below the left scapula were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The Board also determined that these symptoms are manifestations of his service-connected hiatal hernia with GERD.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 40 percent for his service-connected gunshot wound residuals with partial paralysis of the left lumbar plexis, damage to the illiopsoas muscle and limitation of motion of the left hip and left ankle is being remanded due to incomplete notification under the VCAA.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disorder. The Board finds that the current low back disorder is related to the veteran's active service as an infantryman, and grants service connection on a direct basis.

The veteran is seeking an increased evaluation for her service-connected lumbosacral strain, currently rated at 10 percent. The Board has remanded the case to ensure all necessary development and consideration of the claim.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for skin cancer and a back disability, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The claim for bilateral hearing loss and pilonidal cyst was not addressed in this decision.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine with left radiculopathy, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The Board found that there was no evidence to support an in-service injury or event leading to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete notification and duty to assist requirements, as well as the need for additional VA treatment records. The veteran's claim of an increased rating for coccyx contusion is on appeal, while her service connection claim for lumbosacral disc disease remains pending.

The veteran's current low back disorder, diagnosed as degenerative disc disease and arthritis, is not service-connected due to lack of evidence of in-service injury or disease. However, the disability has been aggravated by his service-connected pilonidal cyst with coccygodynia.

The VA denied an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for the service-connected low back disorder, finding that the veteran's condition is currently manifested by moderate limitation of lumbar spine motion.

The Board has granted service connection for a deviated nasal septum incurred during active duty. The remaining issues on appeal regarding higher ratings for various service-connected conditions are remanded to the RO.

The Board has determined that the appellant's cervical spine degenerative changes with cervical radiculopathy are attributable to service and grants this claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spine degenerative disc disease is related to his in-service injury and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the January 1967 rating decision denying service connection for a low back disorder was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous. The Board also determined that, with all reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the veteran, his low back disorder is due to service.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations.

The Board has determined that the submitted evidence is not new and material, thus denying the veteran's application to reopen his claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine and cervical spine.

The Board found that the veteran's lumbosacral strain did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation than the current 10 percent rating.