Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2008

The Board has determined that the veteran's heart disabilities are not service-connected, but his back disability is considered to be of service origin and granted.

The Board granted a 60 percent rating for the veteran's lumbar spine disability effective June 8, 2000. The previous ratings were increased from 40 to 60 percent.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected lumbar disc disease, effective January 16, 2008. The rating is based on current clinical findings showing forward flexion to 50 degrees and pain.

The Board denied service connection for low back disability and chest contusion, finding no evidence of current disabilities related to service.

The veteran's low back disability with osteoporosis and facet arthropathy is not severe enough to warrant a higher rating than the current 20 percent.

The veteran is seeking a TDIU due to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. The RO has not considered whether an extraschedular rating is appropriate, and the case is being remanded for this purpose.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to obtain the veteran's full service medical records, specifically those from his National Guard service. The RO should also request copies of the veteran's SSA disability benefits and supporting medical documents.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims due to incomplete records and a need for further examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for low back and left ankle disorders, as well as his claim for an initial compensable rating for traumatic arthritis of the left 4th finger with avulsion of the long flexor tendon. The veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board found that the veteran's left knee disability was not incurred in service and denied service connection. However, they granted the request to reopen his claim for a lower back disability based on new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical opinions to determine if the veteran has current low back and left hip disabilities that are related to his service-connected left knee disability or active duty service.

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded for additional development, including obtaining affidavits and medical records related to the veteran's back disability. The left thumb disability rating needs to be evaluated based on specific findings.

The veteran's claim for an automobile and adaptive equipment or for adaptive equipment only is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The veteran's claims for a higher rating and TDIU were denied. The RO continued to assign a 60 percent rating for chronic low back strain with degenerative disc disease, which was the only service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating due to inadequate examination reports, new evidence required, and need for additional VA and private medical records.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection for his low back disability, left hand disorder, right leg disorder, and neck disorder. The veteran's low back disability is currently rated as 20 percent disabling.

The Board found that the veteran's low back disorder did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and there was no evidence linking it to his military service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that there is no competent medical evidence linking a current low back disability to service, and thus the claim for service connection for a low back disorder is denied.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's death.