Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2010

The Board has reopened the claims for stomach and low back disorders due to new evidence, but finds that service connection is not warranted as there is no credible evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disability, including sciatica and spinal stenosis, is the result of an injury during active duty. As such, service connection for a back disorder is granted.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability and secondary service connection for heart disease due to major depression. The effective date for the grant of service connection for major depression was set at April 22, 2003.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of osteoporosis of the lumbar spine and left hip have been dismissed as he has acknowledged that a separate 20 percent evaluation was granted for osteoporosis of the lumbar spine effective June 2, 2008.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for muscle pains, thoracolumbar spine disorder, bilateral shin splints, and muscle and joint pains due to an undiagnosed illness. The claim for increased ratings for retropatellar pain syndrome of both knees and headaches have also been denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for VA examinations to determine the nature and likely etiology of her claimed PTSD, back condition, and knee condition.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was denied as it did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to the RO for further development, including a new VA examination and consideration of his claims.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU rating is being remanded due to the inadequacy of the January 2009 VA examination, which did not consider the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability and did not distinguish between service-connected and nonservice-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete verification of service dates and need for a VA examination.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a lumbar spine disability. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of his current back condition and whether it is related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and further development of the evidence.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the etiology of any current low back disabilities and whether they are related to service or pre-existed service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, knee disabilities, a low back disability, and eye injuries. The decision found that there was no evidence of current diagnoses or a nexus to service.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to determine if the appellant needs regular aid and attendance or is housebound due to disability. The case is REMANDED for further action.

The Veteran's need for aid and attendance is due to his service-connected back disability and nonservice-connected Parkinson's disease, which together contribute to his impairment. As such, special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person is granted.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn with respect to the claims for left shoulder disability and low back disability.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and records. His PTSD claim remains inapplicable as it does not involve a service connection issue.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's Social Security Administration (SSA) records and other pertinent medical records. The claims will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further evaluation of his low back disability and any related neurologic manifestations. The case will be re-adjudicated after the additional development.