Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2005

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing at the RO in San Juan. The claims of service connection, disability rating for scars, and history of kidney stones are still pending.

The Board found that service connection was granted for a right shoulder rotator cuff tear injury, but denied claims for heart disorder, sinusitis, left knee disorder, hemorrhoids, and increased ratings for gastroesophageal reflux disease with hiatal hernia and musculoskeletal low back pain. The left foot disability is rated at 20 percent.

The veteran's combined rating of 70 percent from January 1, 2002 meets the schedular requirements for TDIU. However, further examination is needed to determine the impact of his service-connected disabilities on employment.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for gout, a cervical spine disorder, and a lumbar spine disorder. The VA examiners concluded that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability is currently evaluated at 40 percent, which reflects severe limitation of motion. The claim for an increased rating has been granted.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

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

The Board has determined that an examination is necessary to assess the current severity of the veteran's service-connected back condition, and further development is required.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current low back disability is due to an injury sustained in military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's degenerative joint/disc disease of the lumbar spine is not attributable to a service-connected disease or injury, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder, residuals of a rhinoplasty to correct sleep apnea, and left ear hearing loss. The veteran's current status regarding these conditions is not addressed in this decision.

The Board has granted service connection for scoliosis and chronic lumbar strain, but denied service connection for spondylolysis, degenerative joint disease of the back, and degenerative disc disease.

The Board has determined that the veteran's knee, shoulder, ankle, and spine conditions need further examination to determine their etiology. The case is being remanded for this purpose.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a cervical or lumbar spine disability that is related to his period of service, including due to alleged inservice radiation exposure.

The Board has determined that the veteran's preexisting lumbar spondylolisthesis was aggravated during active service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The veteran's degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 20 percent, effective from April 1, 1997. The VA determined that his disability does not warrant a higher rating based on current evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected low back disability, including degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease, warrants a rating of 20 percent. However, due to conflicting diagnoses and evidence, the appeal is remanded for further development.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining more recent medical records and providing the veteran with a supplemental statement of the case if necessary.

The VA determined that the veteran's low back disability, which is currently rated at 10 percent, does not warrant a higher evaluation based on the evidence provided.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the veteran's service-connected PTSD and neurological condition.