Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2010

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a back disorder, and diabetes mellitus, type 2. The decision found no current disability related to these conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary prior to the adjudication of these claims, including obtaining relevant VA and private treatment records from specific facilities.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine, low back, and left knee disabilities were evaluated. The claims for increased ratings were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher evaluations under the applicable rating schedule.

The Board granted an evaluation of 20 percent for the Veteran's service-connected chronic lumbosacral strain from September 27, 1990 to July 20, 1999.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to determine the etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and whether it is related to service.

The Board has determined that the RO's decision to terminate TDIU benefits effective June 1, 2006 was improper and restored the Veteran's TDIU rating.

The Veteran's back disability was rated at 40% effective July 8, 2008. Prior to this date, the disability had been rated as 10% and 20%.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings of PTSD and lumbar degenerative joint and disc disease are being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further development due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence to reopen the claim for service connection for a low back disability has not been submitted. The appellant's claim was previously denied because the Board found that the evidence of record was insufficient to establish that his back condition was incurred in or aggravated during his service.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected lumbar spine disability, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 40 percent.

Service connection for right and left knee disabilities has been granted.,Service connection for a lumbar spine disability has also been granted.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine and right hip, finding that these conditions are not related to his military service.,The Board also found that the appellant's current disabilities are not secondary to or aggravated by any service-connected condition.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 10 percent, and his low back and neck disabilities are service-connected. The Board found the appropriate ratings for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability was incurred during active military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were granted, with the effective date set at May 11, 2006. The earlier effective date claim was also granted.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a current disability of low back, bilateral knee, hypertension or bronchitis as claimed. The evidence does not support service connection for any of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran currently experiences low back strain, which is service-connected. However, there is no evidence linking his bilateral knee disorder to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine if the Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected disabilities, specifically his residuals of bilateral femoral artery bypass.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for traumatic arthritis of the tailbone and low back has been withdrawn, resulting in dismissal of the case.