Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2007

The Board found that the veteran's sinus allergies were not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for low back strain is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and VCAA notice.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his degenerative joint and disc disease of the lumbar spine and cervical spine, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current back condition, hearing loss, or tinnitus to his military service. The conditions are therefore not considered service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to issues related to service connection, CUE in a 1978 rating decision, and TDIU effective date.

The Board denied reopening of the veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of new and material evidence.

The VA denied a rating in excess of the assigned 10 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine from December 21, 2003.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional development of the veteran's service medical records and treatment records. The claim will be reconsidered after these records are obtained.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for a lumbar spine disability. The Board also determined that there was no evidence showing that the veteran's current neck pain and headaches were related to his military service.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of his claim. The compensable rating for his scars and non-compensable rating for his lumbar spine disability remain unchanged.

The VA denied the veteran's claim of secondary service connection for a low back disorder, finding that there is no medical evidence indicating a relationship between his service-connected bilateral knee disorder and his current low back condition.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus disability is associated with degenerative arthritis of the hips, knees, ankles, and lumbosacral spine. However, the examiner determined that the bilateral pes planus did not cause the arthritis.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and verifying National Guard service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the case can be decided.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for ratings in excess of 10 percent for his cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on functional loss due to pain or other factors.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and a 20 percent rating for right carpal tunnel syndrome. The claim for tinnitus was denied, as the evidence did not support its onset during active service. Service connection for low back disability is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lumbar spine condition does not warrant a disability rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a back condition and Meniere's syndrome, finding that there was no evidence to support these conditions as being related to his military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C, a right elbow/arm disorder, and a low back disorder due to lack of competent evidence linking these conditions to service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and vocational rehabilitation records. The claims of service connection for a low back disability and TDIU will be reconsidered.