Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for right foot calluses was denied. The service-connected right foot disability resulted in painful scars, but the current evidence does not support a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's low back strain has been rated at 40 percent since December 20, 2007. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating prior to this date.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his low back strain with left-sided disc herniation was denied. The RO increased the rating to 40 percent effective May 10, 2007.

The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation prior to September 30, 2009 or from September 30, 2009 onwards.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is rated noncompensably disabling, and his low back pain with herniation, disc bulge, and degenerative changes at the L3-L4 and L5-S1 levels is currently evaluated as 20 percent disabling. The Board finds that a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction is not warranted.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral foot disorder and denied the remaining claims. The Veteran's bilateral foot disorder was incurred during active service.

The Veteran is seeking a higher disability rating for his lumbosacral spine disability, currently rated at 50 percent. The case has been remanded due to issues related to the Veteran's employment and need for a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a low back disability or bilateral hand tremors that are due to an event, injury, or illness in service. The evidence also does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine, lumbar spine, and knee disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that a low back disorder is related to the Veteran's active military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining clinical records from a Naval Branch Health Clinic and providing the Veteran with an orthopedic examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disability is not related to service and instead is linked to a workplace injury sustained after separation from service. As such, the claim for service connection for a back disability is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for lumbosacral spine strain was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to address the Veteran's claim of service connection for a lower back disability.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the increased ratings for his low back and left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in the severity of disability required to grant the benefit for automobile and adaptive equipment.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional medical records.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his traumatic arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability has not been found to warrant an increased rating beyond the current 40 percent evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back and bilateral knee disabilities, finding that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen these claims.