Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2009

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an increased evaluation and earlier effective date, as there was no evidence supporting a higher rating or an earlier effective date.

The Board found that new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen the claim for a low back strain, but denied service connection for both the low back strain and contusion to the left calf.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease, residuals of a back injury, as there was no evidence to support that his condition was incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Board remands the claims for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any residuals of an in-service heat injury.

The Board remands the appeal for additional medical inquiry and to ensure that an appropriate examination is conducted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for traumatic degenerative disc disease with bilateral radiculopathy, as there was no evidence of incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least six weeks during the previous 12 months, unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, or more than moderately severe incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.

The Board remands the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's lumbar and cervical conditions are related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for low back disability, as the first communication from him regarding this condition was received on January 12, 2006.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back condition, finding no credible evidence of an in-service injury or ongoing disability.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals remands the case for additional development, including VA examinations to address the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for chondromalacia of the left knee and service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, finding no evidence supporting an increased rating or a link to service.

The appeal is remanded for additional development of the record, including a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's low back disability is related to service.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder and PTSD, finding no credible evidence supporting the claimed in-service stressors.

The Board found that new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder, residuals of a left great toe fracture, and a deviated nasal septum. The veteran was granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied an increased rating for the service-connected left knee strain and lumbosacral strain, finding that the evidence did not support a higher disability rating.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain with radiculopathy, and denied initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for right knee arthritis and instability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral knee disability and lumbar spine disability, but found that new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen his claim for a left wrist disability.

The Board denied a rating higher than 20 percent before June 20, 2008, and a rating higher than 40 percent from that date for the low back disability. The decision also denied separate ratings for objective neurological abnormalities of the right and left lower extremities.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was not found to warrant a rating in excess of 40 percent, and he was also denied a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for an ear disorder and lumbar spondylosis, as there was no evidence of a current disability related to service.