Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2010

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the claims of service connection for right ear hearing loss, respiratory disorder (asthma), back condition, and residuals of a stab wound of the chest. The Veteran's case will be remanded to allow for further examination and opinion regarding these issues.

The Board has granted service connection for old compression fractures of T7, T8, T9, T11, T12, and L1. The issues of entitlement to service connection for right and left knee disorders are being remanded due to the need for further development.

The Board found no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to the Veteran's claimed disabilities and concluded that service connection is not warranted.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including confirming service periods and obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of the low back disability.

The Veteran's disabilities are not sufficient to meet the criteria for special monthly pension at the aid and attendance rate due to his ability to dress, keep himself clean, and manage daily activities without assistance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability is not service connected as it did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence linking his current condition to his service-connected left knee disability. The initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss claim remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected thoracolumbar strain is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess any neurological manifestations of her condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's current low back disability is not related to his service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for a lumbosacral strain, bilateral hearing loss, and pseudofolliculitis barbae. The Veteran is now entitled to an evaluation of 30 percent for his pseudofolliculitis barbae.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic low back disorder during service or within one year thereafter, and the Veteran's current low back disorder is not related to his military service.

The Board denied the claim for an extra-schedular rating for the Veteran's low back disability with associated radiculopathy, concluding that the available schedular evaluations adequately described his disability level and symptomatology.

The Board has granted service connection for sacroiliitis, finding that the Veteran's current disability is related to his in-service injury during basic training.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for chronic low back strain and left leg nerve radiation are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and the retrieval of private treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for reopening service connection are being remanded to the RO for a Travel Board hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic low back strain does not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 40 percent. The evidence does not show unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a low back disability, rheumatoid arthritis, or psychiatric disability (MDD) that is related to her active service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and compliance with notification requirements.

The Board found no evidence of a connection between the Veteran's military service and his current low back disorder, or of a history of continuity of symptomatology after service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to relevant evidence not being considered in connection with this appeal.