Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2009

The Board found no evidence of a current lumbar spine condition or knee disabilities, and thus denied the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant, and thus no jurisdiction remains to adjudicate the merits of this claim.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and updated treatment records.

The Veteran seeks an initial compensable rating for his spondylolisthesis of L4 to L5 with mild degenerative disc disease, which was increased from zero percent to 10 percent effective March 17, 2008. The case is now remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran's low back disability with left lumbar radiculopathy was rated at 10 percent since May 29, 2007 and increased to 20 percent effective March 16, 2009.

The Veteran's cause of death, congestive heart failure, is found to be related to his service-connected arthritis. The appellant does not meet the criteria for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing proper VCAA notice.

The Veteran's appeal was granted, and he is now receiving a disability rating of 20 percent for his service-connected low back disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of his claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine, which he claims is related to his service-connected left knee disability.

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

The Board determined that the Veteran's cervical spine and low back disabilities were incurred during service, with a presumption of service connection due to congenital lumbar spine with mild pain by history.

The Veteran does not have a current back disability for which service connection may be granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder, including degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease, is attributable to service. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need to obtain VA hospital records from Shreveport, Louisiana. The Veteran's claim of service connection for a back disability remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain was rated at 20 percent prior to December 8, 2008 and increased to 40 percent thereafter. The decision grants the higher rating of 40 percent effective from December 8, 2008.

The Board found no evidence of a back disability in service and concluded that the Veteran's current back disability is not related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, lesions and skin rash, and chronic fatigue syndrome as these conditions were not shown to be related to military service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's degenerative changes of the lumbar spine with radiculopathy and limitation of motion are currently rated at 60 percent, effective March 21, 2000. The claim for an earlier effective date is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability, including degenerative spondylitic ridging of the lumbar spine, is at least as likely as not related to service. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.