Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2008

The veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain was rated at 20 percent effective July 16, 2002. The RO granted a TDIU rating prior to July 3, 2002.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further examination and review of the claims file, including VA medical records.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for low back and left hip disabilities as secondary to his service-connected left knee and left ankle disabilities due to lack of new and material evidence.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The veteran's increased ratings for herniated nucleus pulposus, lumbar spine and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were granted. The other conditions remained at noncompensable or zero percent.

The Board has granted service connection for failed back surgical syndrome, multi-level lumbar spondylosis with myelopathy, and multi-level degenerative disc disease, finding that these conditions are related to active military service.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic disease present during service, and denied the veteran's claims for service connection as there is insufficient evidence to establish a link between current back disorders and his military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left leg condition, skin rash, dental condition, lump under the right arm, low back condition, and bronchitis. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a lumbosacral spine disability, a right hip disability, and PTSD due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active service.

The veteran's PTSD with depression has been rated at 70 percent, effective February 9, 2002. The claim for an earlier effective date is granted.

The veteran seeks service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities due to exposure to herbicides, as well as a low back disability. The claims are being remanded for further development including VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's anxiety disorder is not related to his time in service and therefore denied the claim.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete notice and examination reports. The veteran's service records, including those from her eye surgery, need to be obtained and reviewed.

The Board has remanded the case for further action, including scheduling a travel Board hearing.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected low back injury, to include degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, is being remanded due to the need for further development and examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service medical records and requests for additional evidence. The veteran's claims for service connection on the merits are pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disorder is incurred in service, and his asbestosis claim is denied. The decision grants service connection for the low back disorder but denies service connection for asbestosis.

The Board denied the veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for a low back disorder, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection and compensation for degenerative disc disease, status-post lumbar laminectomy is denied as the earliest possible effective date is October 27, 1998.