Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board denied increased evaluations for chronic lumbar strain and degenerative changes of the thoracic spine, finding that the veteran's conditions did not warrant higher ratings based on his symptoms and medical evidence.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain additional information and arrange for a special orthopedic examination of the veteran. The veteran's claim is still pending as service connection for his low back disability.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for a TDIU prior to July 23, 1998. The combined disability rating was 50 percent and there is no evidence that his disabilities precluded him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar and thoracic spine disorder, finding no evidence of such condition in service or that it was caused by service.

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

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected back disorder was granted with an effective date of June 15, 2000.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected low back disability is being remanded due to inadequate VA examinations. The case must be returned for further examination and consideration of all relevant factors.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder and a compensable rating for his right foot fractures. The RO will conduct additional development as requested, including obtaining medical opinions on the etiology of the veteran's current back disorder and right foot conditions.

The veteran's claims for service connection for low back, right left knee, and left knee disorders are being remanded due to the need for additional development including a VA examination.

The Board has denied the veteran's requests to reopen his claims for service connection for a left knee disorder and a back disorder, finding that no new and material evidence was submitted.

The VA has determined that the appellant's claims for increased evaluations of his thoracic back disorder and hypertension are denied. The current ratings assigned do not meet the criteria for higher evaluations under applicable rating criteria.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's low back disability and assigned a 20 percent rating, effective February 10, 2000. However, the issue of an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent remains before the Board.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and evaluation of service connection claims for postoperative lumbar laminectomy syndrome and arthritis of the right hip, both potentially related to the veteran's service-connected right knee disability.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for a low back disorder, resulting in a mixed decision as some issues were granted while others were denied.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the appeals for higher initial evaluations were also denied. The veteran was granted a reopening of his claim for irritable bowel syndrome on new evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for chloracne due to herbicide exposure during active military service. The low back disorder claim is remanded as it was not well-grounded in the previous rating decision.

The veteran's service-connected sinusitis is manifested by more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year, warranting a 30 percent disability evaluation.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his cervical spine disorder was denied, and the original denial of service connection for his low back disorder remains final.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim of service connection for a cervical spine disorder, including degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease, was denied due to lack of well-grounded evidence.

The Board has determined that the cause of the veteran's death was incurred in active service, specifically due to hypertension and congestive heart failure.