Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2008

The veteran's claims of service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and post-traumatic stress disorder are being remanded due to incomplete information about his in-service stressor and need for additional evidentiary development.

The Board found no relationship between the veteran's current degenerative disc disease and a disease or injury in service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The veteran's degenerative changes with low back pain have been shown to cause slight limitation of motion, but no incapacitating episodes. The disability has not met the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar spine disability, right knee strain, and left knee strain. The evidence did not establish a link between the veteran's current disabilities and her military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and an increased evaluation, finding no evidence of a current cervical spine disability related to his military service or a service-connected low back condition. The veteran's current cervical spine disability was not found to be proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected low back disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to errors in notice and for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's claimed conditions, including head injury, headache disorder, vision impairment, neck disorder, back disorder, and tinnitus, as there is no medical evidence of current diagnoses or a causal link to military service.

The Board denied service connection for osteoporosis of the lumbar spine, skin growths, and hyperthyroidism. The veteran's claims were not supported by evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's claims for service connection were previously denied due to lack of medical records. The RO has ordered additional examinations and requested VA medical records, and the case is now remanded for further action.

The veteran's claims for an increased rating and earlier effective date for his service-connected lumbosacral spine disability are being remanded to allow for additional development of the medical records.

The Board has granted service connection for a chronic low back disability and an initial noncompensable evaluation for bilateral foot disability (plantar fasciitis with bunions).

The Board found that the veteran's low back pain, diagnosed as secondary to strain in May 2005 private treatment records, was not incurred or aggravated by service. The claim for service connection for a back disability is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the submission of new evidence by the veteran, including a list of doctors who have provided treatment and a consent form. The RO is instructed to obtain updated VA treatment records from the VAMC in Atlanta and any other facility identified by the veteran or in VA records at which treatment has been provided.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Board found that the veteran's right knee and low back disabilities were not incurred in service, and his acquired psychiatric disorder was not incurred within one year of discharge. The claims for these conditions were therefore denied.

The veteran's DDD and DDD of the lumbar spine are not productive of muscle spasm on extreme forward bending, loss of unilateral lateral spine motion in a standing position, or moderate intervertebral disc syndrome with recurring attacks. Therefore, his claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back strain and ganglion cyst of the right wrist are service connected, while his right knee disorder is not.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inconsistencies in the dates of service and treatment, as well as a failure to verify the exact unit title and specific medical records.

The veteran's application for nonservice connected pension benefits was granted as of June 18, 2002 due to his inability to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to multiple disabilities. The effective date cannot be earlier than this date.