Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2010

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine strain, claimed as lumbar spine disability, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and is therefore denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disorder is not related to his active duty service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar strain and degenerative disc disease do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation from August 1, 2004.

The Board found that the Veteran's right shoulder disability, diagnosed as AC joint arthritis with global capsular tightness, is not related to his service. The low back disability was also denied due to insufficient evidence linking it to service.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 10 percent, and his claim for a higher rating has been granted.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current spinal stenosis of the lumbar spine is not related to his service or his service-connected pes planus, and thus denies the claim for service connection.

The Veteran is seeking compensation for disorders resulting from VA treatment, including multiple sclerosis, hepatitis C, back disability, and mouth infections. The case has been remanded to obtain additional medical records and arrange for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities are not related to service, including as a result of motor vehicle accidents or other events or injuries therein. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board finds that he is entitled to TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, as well as his claims to reopen his schizophrenia and chest pains claims. The claim for service connection for pemphigus vulgaris of the mouth and throat was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's claimed neck injuries and degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine are not service-connected as they are not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination to determine if any current low back diagnosis is related to service or due to a service-connected condition.

The Veteran does not have lumbosacral strain that is attributable to his active military service, and the Board finds that it is not related to a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and adjudicative action due to conflicting evidence regarding a bus accident during service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for a low back disorder. However, the claim is still denied as there is no medical evidence showing a direct link between the Veteran's military service and his current low back disability.

The Board found no evidence of a back disability being incurred during or as a result of the Veteran's military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for his spine disability is being remanded due to the need for current treatment records and a new examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining VA and Social Security Administration records related to his orthopedic disorders.