Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2009

The Board found that the Veteran's current low back and left leg symptoms were not proximately caused by VA care, resulting in a denial of compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim of service connection for a lower back disability cannot be granted as there is no evidence linking his current condition to his military service. The claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus was also denied.

The Board denied service connection for gastrointestinal disabilities, including IBS, GERD, and diverticulosis on the basis that these conditions are not related to service or any other factor.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increased rating at any time during the appeal period.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claim that his low back disability was incurred in service, and denied the claim.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral pain syndrome has been rated at 20 percent since February 14, 2009. The Board found that the evidence does not support a higher rating prior to this date.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, which reflects moderate limitation of motion without ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claim that his current back disability is related to service, including a period of active duty for training (ACDUTRA). The appeal was denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, cervical spine disability, bilateral wrist and hand disability (carpal tunnel syndrome), bilateral knee disability, and arthritis. The evidence did not support a finding of in-service onset or continuity of symptoms.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative changes was rated at 10% from June 23, 2003 to September 3, 2008 and increased to 40% effective September 4, 2008.

The Board is reopening the claim for service connection for a back disability on the basis of new and material evidence. However, the claims are remanded to further develop before adjudicating them on the underlying merits.

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

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's back disability, including whether it is related to service or his service-connected left knee and pes planus disabilities. The case will be adjudicated on both direct and secondary service connection bases.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected back disability and special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another person were both denied due to lack of evidence showing he required regular assistance or had incapacitating episodes.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and residuals of head injury, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claimed lumbar spine, bilateral leg, hip, and bilateral foot disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The Board found that the current diagnoses are more likely due to post-service injuries.

The Board denied reopening the Veteran's claims for bilateral knee and low back disabilities due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board is remanding the case for additional development, including obtaining service medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current lumbar spine disability is related to his period of active service.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development of his service connection claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and other relevant documents.