Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2009

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine disability and a disability characterized by loss of concentration, finding that there is no evidence to support these conditions as being related to active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine, right knee, right ankle, and right hip disabilities were denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions.

The Veteran's left knee retropatellar pain syndrome and lumbar strain are rated at 20 percent each, with no higher ratings granted. The Veteran is not entitled to additional disability ratings under the criteria for other related conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's lower back disability was not incurred in or related to his active military service.

The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar disc disease is currently rated at 40 percent, and the Board finds that a higher evaluation is not warranted.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to address the Veteran's claim for service connection of his low back disability, as the previous examiner did not adequately consider the evidence and opinions provided.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease, with history of osteomyelitis, is currently rated at 20 percent and the claim for an increased rating has been granted.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine is currently rated at 20 percent, which reflects a limitation in range of motion. The right upper extremity neurological symptoms are considered secondary to his service-connected cervical spine disorder.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical strain and increased evaluations for his low back and right fibula disabilities. The evidence does not support the presence of these conditions, and there is no indication that they are related to active service or any service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and attempting to obtain service treatment records and private medical records from the Veteran's doctors. The Veteran is also asked to provide information about his workman's compensation doctor.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and an effective date prior to May 13, 2003 for his left shoulder disability. The Board found that there was no evidence of chronic or recurring low back pain during service and concluded that the current low back disability is not related to military service.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic lumbosacral strain alone reasonably precludes him from securing or maintaining gainful employment, and the Board finds that he is entitled to a TDIU.

The Board has denied the Veteran's attempts to reopen his previously denied claims for service connection for heart, cervical spine, and bilateral foot disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further consideration due to a lack of addressing certain evidence and lay statements in the original decision. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on all available evidence.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's current back disorder to his military service and denied his claim.

The Board finds that the Veteran's right ankle sprains incurred in service are service-connected, but his right knee and low back disorders are not related to service or any service-connected condition.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder and a psychiatric disorder, finding that the Veteran's statements regarding in-service injuries were not credible and that there was no medical evidence of chronic or continuous symptoms prior to 2001.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for lumbar spondylosis with degenerative arthritis was granted, and a separate 10 percent evaluation was assigned for right lower extremity neurological manifestations. The current rating of 40 percent for the lumbar spine disability is maintained.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining lay evidence from the Social Security Administration.