Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2010

The Veteran's appeals for a compensable disability rating for residuals of a dislocated coccyx and service connection for alcohol dependence have been withdrawn. The appeal for service connection for lumbosacral strain is being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The lumbar spine disability was not found to meet the criteria for a higher rating, and the left knee disability did not meet the criteria for an initial compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the claimed conditions and service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was initially evaluated as 10 percent disabling prior to June 20, 2006. From June 20, 2006, the disability is not rated higher than 40 percent.

The Veteran's low back pain with mild degenerative changes of the posterior elements at L5 to S1 is currently rated as 40 percent disabling. The separate rating for right leg sciatic pain has been granted and is set at 10 percent, effective September 23, 2004.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative changes was granted, and he is now rated at 40 percent effective from March 26, 2008.

The Veteran's claims to reopen his service connection claims for psychiatric disorder, back disorder, stomach disorder, and bilateral knee disability are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disorder due to an injury sustained in service. The case is being sent back for further development, including obtaining all relevant medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for automobile and adaptive equipment, special home adaption grant, and specially adaptive housing due to a lack of anatomical use of an extremity.

The Board has determined that further development is required with respect to the right shoulder, osteoporosis, lumbar spine, and GERD claims. The Veteran's cervical spine disorder and glaucoma claims are not currently on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not preclude him from obtaining and retaining all forms of substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and work experience.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a leg condition and status post disc excision of the lumbar spine with secondary degenerative arthritis changes, both claimed as secondary to his chronic low back strain.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical nexus evidence and a need for additional information from the Veteran's National Guard unit.

The Veteran's right knee pain and low back strain have been rated at the lowest possible levels, with no additional disability found to warrant higher ratings.

The Board has remanded the case due to unresolved medical questions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's in-service back pain and his current spine disability. The Veteran is also seeking service connection for cervical and thoracic spine disabilities, which are referred to the RO.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The right knee disorder was found to be related to his service-connected left knee disorder, but the lumbar spine disorder and peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity are not considered service connected. Service connection for Parkinson's disease due to in-service herbicide exposure is also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and morning reports.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for bilateral pes planus, dermographism claimed as psoriasis, and a low back disorder due to new evidence submitted since the last final denial. The Veteran's disability manifested by psoriasis is found to be related to his active service.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability evaluation for chronic lumbosacral strain was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him so helpless as to require the aid and attendance of another, meeting the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance. The claim for special monthly compensation at the housebound rate is moot due to the higher rate set for aid and attendance.