Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2010

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disorders, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his service-connected degenerative joint and disc disease of the right knee, lumbar spine, and cervical spine did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings at any point.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate reasons and bases in the previous decision, including a need for an adequate nexus between service and current low back disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's back disability, specifically whether it is a congenital defect or if there was superimposed injury during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss disability does not warrant a compensable rating, and his claims for service connection of sinusitis, bilateral knee disorder, and back disorder are denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a back disability and finds that it was incurred in or aggravated by service. The Veteran's current back disability is diagnosed as degenerative disc disease at L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels, which he contends resulted from a fall on the obstacle course during basic training.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent, the maximum available rating under current criteria. The Board finds that his condition does not warrant a higher rating.

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

The Board found no evidence of a low back disorder in service or within one year post-service, and concluded that the Veteran's current degenerative disc disease is less likely related to his military service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development due to the need for additional evidence and consideration of service connection claims, including those related to headaches and a head laceration.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and evaluation of her service-connected conditions, specifically spondylolisthesis, L5-S1, degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, costochondritis, and external hemorrhoids with rectal fissure.

The Board finds that the Veteran's low back disability is not related to his active service and denies the claim.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) at the rate allowed by 38 U.S.C.A. � 1114(r)(2) is granted, as he receives necessary and life-sustaining daily health care with hands-on facilitation by his wife who has received specific training and performs under the direction, guidance, and supervision of a caregiver.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and medical opinions to address the etiology of his claimed conditions and their relationship to service or other disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA treatment records and further development is needed.

The Veteran was granted service connection for a low back disability and a neck disability, which were both incurred during active service.,He also had hypertension diagnosed during active service.

The Veteran's migraine headaches have been rated as 10 percent disabling since April 29, 2010.,Prior to April 29, 2010, the Veteran's right shoulder disorder status post Bankhart procedure was rated as 20 percent disabling.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left hip arthrosis and lumbosacral strain, as well as his claim for SMC based on A&A or housebound status, were denied. The Veteran's right hip arthrosis was not found to be related to his service-connected lumbosacral strain.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to lack of current diagnosis. The claim for a neck disorder was not adjudicated as it is inextricably intertwined with the psychiatric disorder claim.