Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2007

The Board has determined that the appellant is not blind in both eyes, does not require nursing home care due to mental or physical incapacity, and her disabilities do not necessitate regular aid and attendance of another person on a regular basis. The appellant's conditions are deemed insufficient for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board found that the veteran's chronic back disability with left lower extremity symptoms was not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty service, nor may it be presumed to have been incurred in or aggravated by such service.

The veteran's claims for service connection and evaluations of his right knee disability and low back strain have been granted. The effective dates are not specified.

The Board has determined that the veteran's back disorder, right foot disorder, and right leg disorder were not incurred or aggravated during service. The pre-existing conditions are considered to have existed prior to service and did not worsen as a result of military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for his service-connected low back pain syndrome and tinea pedis.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected low back disorder, finding that the orthopedic findings are primarily manifested by pain and limited motion.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current disability rating for chronic recurrent low back strain is already at its maximum schedular rating of 40 percent, and there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis to warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any low back disorder.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed disabilities, including bilateral flat feet, knee disability, hip disability and low back disability, were not incurred or aggravated during active duty service. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and an initial compensable rating for his left great toe and second metatarsal joints, finding that the disability did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability and insufficient medical nexus to support the veteran's assertions.

The Board has determined that there is no current evidence of a low back or bilateral knee disorder, and thus service connection cannot be granted for these conditions.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of the evidence, including obtaining SSA records. The case will be readjudicated after this.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral foot disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, low back disability, and hip disability. The case is remanded for further development.

The Board found that the veteran's back disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation, and therefore denied his claim.

The veteran seeks service connection for a low back disability, which he claims began in service. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and provide the veteran with an orthopedic examination.

The veteran is seeking to reopen his previously denied claim for service connection for pneumonia and is also seeking service connection for various conditions allegedly related to exposure to ionizing radiation. The case is being remanded for additional development.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left knee, right knee, left ankle, and right ankle disabilities. The Board also found that there is no current diagnosis of lumbar spine or sinusitis disability.

The veteran's claims for increased disability rating and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA spine examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for a back condition, finding no new and material evidence.