Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2010

The Board denied service connection for a dental disorder, left knee condition, right knee condition, and low back disorder. The evidence submitted since the June 2003 decision is not new and material.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral and cervical strains are currently evaluated at the maximum available ratings, with no additional disability found to warrant higher evaluations.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if there is a nexus between the Veteran's in-service low back complaints and his current back disability.

The Veteran's low back disability, including spondylolysis and mild disc bulge, is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board found that the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and service connection have been addressed. The Board has granted the Veteran a 100 percent rating for PTSD, as well as an increase in his evaluation for diabetes mellitus with mild renal insufficiency, hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, and impotence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete examination reports and the need for additional medical records. The claim will be reconsidered with a focus on assessing the current severity of his service-connected low back injury, including any associated neurological symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a total evaluation based on individual unemployability due to his combined rating of 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities have been denied as there is no current medical evidence of chronic conditions on examination.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection of a lumbar spine disorder due to insufficient evidence regarding its onset and relationship to service. The case will be returned to the RO/AMC for further development, including obtaining records related to the Veteran's reported Workman's Compensation claim.

The Veteran's low back condition is being remanded for further examination and development due to the need for a nexus opinion regarding its relationship to service.

The Veteran's low back disability, when considered with the effects of his service-connected right knee, does not warrant a compensable rating.

The Veteran's service connection claims for migraine headaches, cervical spine disorder, left shoulder disorder, and degenerative joint disease of the knees are granted. The Veteran is awarded a 10 percent rating for lumbar strain with degenerative changes from April 18, 2006 to January 4, 2008, and an increased evaluation to 40 percent thereafter. He also receives a non-compensable rating for his scar of the anterior neck and burn scar of the right hand. The Veteran's scrotal varices disability is rated as non-compensable, while his degenerative joint disease of the left knee and right knee are each rated as non-compensable.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to new evidence received by the Board.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle disability, tendonitis of the left ankle, osteoarthritis of the right hip, and low back disorder have been denied as these conditions are not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder, finding that there is no credible evidence of in-service onset or continuity of symptomatology and noting that arthritis was not manifest within one year of separation.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claim of a back disorder being related to service, and thus denied her claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected chronic lumbar strain and determine whether he is unable to secure or maintain gainful employment due to his disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected low back pain with degenerative changes is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's neck disability had its onset in service and is etiologically related to his active service, while his back disability did not have an onset in service and is not otherwise etiologically related to his active service.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims due to his death, and no jurisdiction remains for further action.