Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2008

The veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is rated at 40 percent, as he experiences significant limitation in motion and pain with movement.

The appeal is remanded for a VA medical examination to determine the etiology of any low back disorder found, as there is evidence of an inservice event and a possible association between service and the current back disability.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for acute back strain, cramps and pain of the right leg and hip, and cramps and pain of the left leg and hip.

The Board remands the claim for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The appeal was remanded for further development due to inadequate notice under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The veteran's disability was not productive of more than moderate limitation of motion or other symptoms prior to July 2005, but became productive of pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome as of that date.

The Board denied an initial disability rating higher than 20 percent for the veteran's service-connected low back disability, but granted a separate 10 percent evaluation for right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The veteran's cervical spondylosis and lumbar spondylosis were granted increased ratings to 20 percent, while the other conditions remained at 10 percent.

The Board remands the veteran's claims for service connection of chronic left knee disability, low back disability, adrenal gland disorder, orthopedic disability manifested by multiple joint aches and pains, and chronic disability manifested by multiple muscle aches to the RO for additional development.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded to the RO for further development.

The veteran's current tinea cruris is etiologically related to his active service.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for earlier effective dates of service connection for various disabilities, and the claims were dismissed.

The Board denied service connection for chronic hypertension and a chronic back disorder, but granted a 70 percent evaluation for the veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for the period prior to April 13, 2004, and a total rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability as of that date.

The Board remands the case for further development to determine if the veteran's current chronic low back pain is related to an incident during service.

The appeal was denied because the evidence submitted since the October 2001 rating decision did not suggest that the veteran's cervical spine disorder is related to his military service, and the disability due to degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating or service connection for any of the claimed conditions.

The veteran's low back disability was rated at 10 percent, and service connection for PTSD was granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for soft tissue sarcoma, bilateral hearing loss, and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and lumbar spondylosis as there was no evidence of these conditions during or shortly after the veteran's active service. The claim for vascular disease of the lower extremities is being remanded.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition, including degenerative disc disease, as there was no medical evidence linking his current condition to his military service.