Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2008

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbosacral spine was rated at 40 percent, while the residuals of a right knee injury, status post arthroscopic surgery, were rated at 10 percent. Service connection for the rotator cuff tear of the right shoulder was also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and to reopen his claim of service connection for a back disability. The veteran withdrew his appeal to reopen the claim of service connection for a back disability prior to the decision being made.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected low back disability is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and development of evidence.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine and right arm disabilities are being remanded due to the need for a new examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of June 23, 2003 for his TDIU rating based on service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the merits of the veteran's claim for service connection for a right foot disability, including numbness, which he claims was caused or aggravated by his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine.

The VA determined that the veteran's thoracolumbar degenerative arthritis warranted a 10 percent rating since November 20, 2005.

The Board has remanded both issues for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the veteran's right knee disability and whether it is related to service or aggravated by his hallux valgus. The back issue was also addressed but not fully resolved.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 40 percent for his service-connected lumbar spine disorder between April 16, 1991 and June 27, 1996.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection of degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, bilateral hip disorder, and bilateral leg disorder. The VA examiners concluded that there was no medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board found that the preponderance of evidence is against service connection for a back disability, and denied the claim.,For headaches, the veteran was granted service connection effective May 4, 1995. The RO assigned a noncompensable evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disability is not proximately due to, or aggravated by, his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the veteran's back disability since September 26, 2003. The effective date of this increase is September 26, 2003.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left shoulder, low back, and cervical spine disabilities are likely related to injuries sustained during his period of active service.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic condition during service and concluded that the current degenerative disc disease at L4-L5 is not related to service.

The veteran's right thumb disorder is now rated at 20 percent disabling, effective August 5, 2006. The other claims are denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of VA nexus opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the veteran's low back disorder. The RO must obtain an addendum from the examiner who conducted the June 2008 VA examination.

The veteran is seeking TDIU based on service-connected right knee and lumbar spine disabilities. The case has been remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and providing clarification of the examiner's opinion.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence submitted by the appellant and a need for further development.

The veteran is seeking service connection for a low back disability, which he claims is secondary to his service-connected residuals of a fracture to the left humerus. The case is being remanded for further examination and development.