Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2005

The Board granted increased ratings of 20 percent for the service-connected low back disability, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, and left knee patellofemoral syndrome.

The Board has determined that additional medical nexus opinions are required to determine if the veteran's current disabilities, including bilateral pes planus and low back strain, are related to his military service. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disability is also remanded.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disorder, finding that it is not secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine and left foot/ankle injuries.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for secondary service connection for a low back disorder and an increased rating for his left knee disability. The low back disorder is found to be aggravated by his service-connected left ankle and left knee disabilities.

The Board has ordered a VA examination to determine if the veteran's current cervical and lumbar spine problems are related to his military service, specifically parachute jump activities. The appeal is currently in remand status due to the need for additional development.

The veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for diverticulitis, right ankle disorder, and lumbar strain have been denied. The RO increased the rating for the lumbar strain to 10 percent effective November 2002.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a back disorder, left knee disorder, left ankle disorder, and cardiovascular disorder. The examiner found no medical evidence linking these conditions to his time in military service.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for further evaluation and consideration of his claim for an increased rating for scoliosis of the lumbar area, including review of new VA regulations and examination to determine current symptomatology.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding medical records and treatment information. The veteran is advised to provide details of her ongoing back problems and treatment.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative disc disease at C3-C4 with degenerative arthritis and retrospondylosis, and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the Houston RO for scheduling a videoconference hearing due to his inability to attend a scheduled in-person hearing. The issues of service connection for hepatitis C and low back disability remain before the Board.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C and a low back disability, finding that direct service connection was not warranted due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has decided that the VA needs to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examinations before deciding on the veteran's claim for service connection of a lower back disability.

The Board has granted increased ratings for the appellant's right wrist disability and lumbar spine disabilities, with the highest possible evaluations.

The Board denied increased ratings for the service-connected low back disability, bilateral pes planus, and headaches.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for her service-connected right and left knee disabilities, finding that she did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation based on arthritis or other service-connected conditions. The veteran was granted a 20% evaluation for postoperative chondromalacia of the right knee.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the veteran with VA examinations to assess her neck disorder, back disability, and breast condition. The issues of service connection for a neck disorder, increased ratings for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, and residuals of cystic mastitis remain in contention.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to insufficient medical evidence and further development is needed.

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