Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The veteran's claim for a higher evaluation of his lumbosacral strain is being remanded due to the need to review and apply the new rating criteria effective September 26, 2003.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for low back disorder, neck disorder, headaches, and skin rash due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder due to new and material evidence. However, further development is needed before adjudicating the merits of the claim.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder, including lumbosacral strain, spasm, and post-laminectomy herniated disc is being remanded due to the need for an examination to determine if there is a relationship between his current condition and service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate notice and duty-to-assist requirements under the VCAA, and a need for further development including obtaining medical records and arranging for an examination.

The Board found no evidence of a low back injury or disability in service, and the veteran's current low back disorder is not linked to his military service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral keratoconus and status post C5-C6 diskectomy and fusion with degenerative disc disease at C4-C5, C5-C6 and C6-C7. The veteran was granted service connection but not awarded higher disability ratings.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings prior to September 23, 2002 were denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes. From September 23, 2002, he was granted an evaluation of 20 percent for limitation of motion of the lumbar spine and 10 percent for radiculitis of the lower left extremity due to degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.

The Board has denied service connection for a low back disorder and PTSD due to lack of competent medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine, finding no evidence linking the condition to his active duty service.

The Board denied increased ratings for the veteran's service-connected muscle injuries, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded for additional development and evaluation of the veteran's lumbar strain claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a scalp scar, left ankle sprain residuals, right ankle sprain residuals, and a rating in excess of 10 percent for low back disability. The decision found that there was no current evidence of a scalp scar or any ankle or low back disabilities.

The veteran's back injury and subsequent surgeries have resulted in a permanent disability, but he is not unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that hypertension is service-connected, and arthritis of the lumbar spine, knees, elbows, hands, hips, and left foot are also service-connected.

The veteran seeks service connection for low back pain. The Board finds that additional evidentiary development is necessary, including obtaining missing VA treatment records and conducting a VA examination.

The veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination and social and industrial survey.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration due to new evidence submitted by the appellant's attorney.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, a low back disorder, and dental injury from trauma. The veteran's current disabilities are recognized as service-connected.