Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2010

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability pre-existed service and was aggravated by service. The claim for sleep apnea is remanded due to incomplete information in the record.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for his lumbar spine degenerative joint disease (DJD). The evidence does not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or other factors. The Veteran's complaints have been considered, but they do not warrant a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim to reopen her service connection for a lower back condition, finding that new and material evidence had not been presented.

The Board has determined that relevant service department records have been submitted, and reconsideration of the claim is granted. The Veteran should be afforded a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any currently present thoracolumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for uterine fibroid and lumbar strain are being remanded due to incomplete information regarding her military service, need for VA examinations, and the need to obtain Social Security Administration records.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's claimed disabilities are related to his military service.

The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease was not incurred or aggravated by service, and his lumbosacral sprain with radiculopathy and degenerative changes is rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations. The TDIU claim for a specific period of time remains pending.

The Board denied service connection for depression, bilateral foot fungus, right shoulder disability, low back disability, and residuals of hepatitis. The Veteran's claims were reopened but not granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability was not incurred or aggravated by service and denied his claim.

The Board finds that further development is required to determine if the Veteran has any current residuals of his in-service back injury, including whether his current lumbar spondylosis is related to this injury. The case is therefore REMANDED for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that further development is required before the claims on appeal may be adjudicated. The Veteran needs to undergo a VA examination for his back, neck, and arthritis conditions, as well as a psychiatric evaluation to determine if he has PTSD and its etiology.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was denied. The RO found that prior to January 23, 2007, his disability did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to missing STRs and need for further development, including medical examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a right ankle injury, bilateral foot disability, and lumbar disc disease were denied as there is no competent evidence showing these conditions are related to active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disorder is attributable to his military service and granted his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disorder was denied as he failed to report for scheduled VA examinations without providing good cause.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability is being remanded due to the need for further evidentiary development.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating due to additional evidence that needs to be obtained, including Social Security Administration records and a VA examination. The Veteran is also asked to provide any relevant medical records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records from Dr. D.S.L., securing daily time sheets and unit attendance records, arranging for an orthopedic examination of the left knee, and readjudicating the claims.