Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2008

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of January 6, 2003 for service connection of degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.

The veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on loss of use of a hand or foot is being remanded due to the need for an examination to determine if his service-connected PTSD with pain disorder and associated psychologic factors results in current loss of use of a hand or foot.

The veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the increased evaluations of degenerative disc, lumbosacral spine with scoliotic deformity and spondylolisthesis L5 on S1, right sciatica, and osteoarthritis of the cervical spine.

The Board has determined that the appellant meets the criteria for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only due to permanent impairment of vision in both eyes resulting from service-connected glaucoma.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of her service-connected low back strain with radiculopathy and spondylosis is being remanded due to the need to associate relevant VA records, obtain Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits records, schedule a VA orthopedic examination, and provide amended VCAA notice.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including new VA examinations and VCAA notice letters.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for a back condition, as there is no objective evidence of an in-service injury or relationship between current disability and service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for further examination and medical opinion regarding whether the veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disabilities have aggravated his low back disorder.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbosacral strain and postoperative acromioclavicular separation of the left shoulder with degenerative changes, finding that the evidence does not support a higher rating based on current symptoms.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected ankle disabilities played a material causal role in his death, and therefore grants service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lumbar spine disability is at least as likely as not incurred in service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 20 percent for the veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The issue of service connection for right knee tendonitis is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for left wrist and low back conditions were denied as there was no evidence showing that the disabilities warranted a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current knee and spine disorders did not develop during service or are otherwise related to his military service. The claim for dental disability is also denied as there is no evidence of a compensable condition.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical muscle spasm and assigned a 10 percent rating. A separate rating for limitation of motion of the cervical spine is also granted, but no additional rating is given as compensable symptoms are not shown.

The Board granted an increased rating of 40 percent for the veteran's lumbar spine disability effective May 25, 2007. The RO also established service connection for residuals of fracture of right tibia and fibula with right ankle disability and assigned a 10 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete examination reports and missing records.

The Board found that the veteran's degenerative disc disease of the cervical and lumbar spine had its onset during service, granting his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine, right hip, and left knee disabilities. The effective dates for the grants of service connection were established as October 18, 2000.

The Board has granted higher initial ratings for the veteran's service-connected lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, with effective dates back to July 18, 2007.