Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2008

The appeal is remanded to the RO for scheduling of a videoconference hearing before a Member of the Board.

The veteran's service-connected disability, considered alone, is not so disabling as to render him unable to care for his daily personal needs or protect himself from the hazards and dangers of daily living without care or assistance on a regular basis, nor does it confine the veteran to his immediate premises.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disorder was denied because there is no medical evidence of record showing that the veteran has been diagnosed with a heart disorder.

The veteran's service connection claims for low back disability, right ankle strain, left ankle strain, and headaches were denied. However, his claim for service connection for hypertension was also denied.

The Board remanded the issues of service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine and a bilateral knee disability for further development.

The appeal was remanded to schedule the veteran for a hearing at the St. Petersburg, Florida, RO by a Veterans Service Center Manager or Decision Review Officer.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar and cervical spine, but remanded this claim along with claims for PTSD, diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy, and gynecological disorders for further development.

The Board remands the claim for a VA orthopedic examination to determine if the veteran's back condition was aggravated during service.

The appeal is remanded for a VA examination to assess the current severity of the veteran's lumbar spine disorder and peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities.

The veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent, and a separate rating of 10 percent was granted for sensory neuropathy of the left foot.

The veteran's lumbosacral strain is rated at 20 percent based on painful motion, muscle spasms, guarding, lordosis, and moderate kyphosis.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and heel spurs of the right foot. The veteran was granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and a left knee disorder.

The Board finds that the record is not sufficiently developed to ensure an informed decision and remands the case for a VA examination.

The veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain was denied a rating in excess of 40 percent prior to August 31, 2005 and 50 percent from August 31, 2005 to November 30, 2007. The claim for TDIU was also denied.

The veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a back injury, including degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease, was granted based on new and material evidence.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability and denied an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a left ankle injury.

The appeal is remanded for further development of the evidence, including a new examination to determine the current extent and severity of the veteran's service-connected low back disability.

The veteran's claims for service connection for chronic disability manifested by heart murmur, to include chest pain, dizziness and shortness of breath; low back pain; and headaches were denied as there was no evidence of a current disability or that the claimed disabilities are related to military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability with claimed residual hip pain, numbness, loss of strength, and poor balance as there was no medical evidence establishing a chronic low back disability in service or that the current condition is related to service.

The appeal is remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the etiology of any current back disability and obtain updated treatment records.