Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2010

The case is being remanded for compliance with prior instructions and to ensure proper development of the Veteran's claims.

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded for further development due to inadequate opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disorder, left hip degenerative joint disease, and hammertoes of the right foot.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected lumbar spine disability was denied, and the claim for TDIU was also denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating or a finding of unemployability due to her service-connected condition.

The Board has vacated its December 30, 2008 decision and denied increased disability evaluations for cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine disabilities. Service connection was not established for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, or a duodenal ulcer as secondary to service-connected anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is currently rated at 10 percent, but the evidence shows that his disability has worsened and he should be granted a higher rating of 20 percent effective September 2, 2008.

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

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability is not related to his military service and denied his claim.

The Board found that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disorder is not related to his service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to insufficient VCAA notice and the need to locate his missing service treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional Social Security Administration records.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claim for increased rating and TDIU can be fully adjudicated.

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

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary prior to adjudication of the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran seeks service connection for these conditions based on in-service injuries, but the VA needs to verify his service records and obtain relevant medical records.

The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran's currently diagnosed back disability was related to his military service, particularly any injury therein. As such, the claim for service connection for a back disability is denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis of the right hip. The low back disability was denied as not related to service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability and finds that it is warranted based on evidence showing current disability, continuity of symptoms since service, and a relationship to in-service injury. The claim is granted.

The Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits was denied due to the absence of service connection for any disabilities. The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examinations to assess the impact of his nonservice-connected conditions on his ability to work.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant. The Board had no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal.

The Board found no evidence of a lumbar spine disability in service and concluded that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his military service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA examination.