Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2007

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain, evaluating as 20 percent disabling.

The Board found that the veteran's low back disability is not related to service and denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's low back disability is rated at 20 percent, and his bilateral knee disabilities are each rated at 10 percent. The RO has granted the requested increased ratings.

The Board has instructed the RO to send supplemental statements of the case (SOC) and a supplemental SOC concerning service connection for right knee and lumbar spine disabilities, as well as an initial evaluation for left knee degenerative joint disease. The veteran's latest address of record must be used.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bipolar disorder is related to his service, warranting service connection.,There is no evidence of a current bilateral knee disability or any link between the veteran's service and such condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD and a low back disability, finding that there was no current diagnosis of PTSD and that his low back disability is not related to his period of military service.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence from VA outpatient clinics and private physicians.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a lumbar spine disorder that was present in service, manifested within one year of separation from service, or otherwise related to service. The Board also found that the current lumbar spine disability is not caused by or aggravated by his right hip disorder.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for chronic low back strain and finds that new and material evidence has been submitted. The Board also finds that the current low back disability is related to service, including both military service and a post-service injury.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for chronic low back strain, but it is unclear whether this decision addresses the merits of the claim or only reopens it.

The veteran was granted an initial evaluation of 20 percent for the service-connected low back disability prior to September 26, 2003.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for chronic low back pain with degenerative changes and chronic neck pain with degenerative changes.

The Board remands the case for an examination to determine the etiology of the veteran's current back condition and its relationship to service.

The appeal was remanded to address the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA) requirements.

The veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disability and low back disability are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records, provide a VA examination, and determine if there is any evidence of in-service injury or disease that may be related to these disabilities.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected compression fracture of the thoracic spine with degenerative joint disease and a history of lumbosacral strain is being remanded due to insufficient examination and potential need for additional evidence.

The veteran's death was not determined to be service-connected, but the surviving spouse is still eligible for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 due to his prior total disability rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder, finding no competent evidence of a current disability and noting that the available service medical records do not substantiate his allegation of a back injury during service.

The veteran's service-connected low back disorder has worsened, and he now experiences tingling in his legs. The VA is required to provide a new examination to assess the current severity of his disability.