Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2011

The Veteran's low back disorder is not service-connected and was not caused by his service-connected knee disabilities.,Right knee disability rated at 10%.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, hypertension, and heart condition. However, the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's chronic headache disorder had its onset in service and the Board found that it is at least as likely as not related to his military service. The Veteran was granted service connection for headaches. For the low back disorder, the VA examiner provided an opinion linking the current condition to service, but did not fully comply with the remand instructions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is at least as likely as not incurred during his period of active military service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a VA opinion regarding the relationship between his service-connected ankle disabilities and his nonservice-connected lower back disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining treatment records from the U.S. Public Health Service and VA outpatient clinic in Viera, Florida, related to a back disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA spine and neurological examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's neck pain, back disability, bilateral hammertoes, alopecia, TMJ syndrome, small bowel obstruction, IBS, and pelvic adhesions are all related to service.

The Veteran currently has Raynaud disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease that were present in service.,The Veteran currently has thoracolumbar scoliosis, which was also present in service.

The Veteran's low back disability is reopened as new and material evidence has been submitted. The right leg deformity with shortening claim remains denied due to lack of material evidence.,New and material evidence has been submitted for the arthritis of multiple joints claim, reopening this issue. No material evidence was found for the other issues.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a low back disorder, alleging that he injured his back in 1955 during active duty. The RO/AMC is directed to attempt to obtain the Veteran's service treatment records and provide him with an appropriate VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his current back disorder.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for a back disorder. The case is now remanded for further development, including obtaining an examination and nexus opinion regarding the relationship between any current back disorder and military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow for further development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations.

The Veteran's rating for chronic lumbosacral strain was reduced from 40 percent to 10 percent, effective November 1, 2006. The case is being remanded due to procedural issues and the need for a VA examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder, low back, and right knee disabilities. The evidence does not support a finding of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical examinations and opinions for the Veteran's claimed conditions, as well as to ensure all relevant records are obtained.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims of service connection for right and left knee disabilities, as well as his claims for service connection for a left hip disability and low back disability. The Board finds that new and material evidence has been submitted to support these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for a cognitive disorder as one of the residuals of TBI sustained in service. The Veteran's TBI is related to an accidental explosion during active duty.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected lumbar degenerative disc disease with mild right lower extremity S1 radiculopathy was granted, and he is now rated at 40 percent effective January 28, 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disability was not incurred or aggravated by active service and is not related to his military service. The claim for service connection is denied.