Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for degenerative disc disease of the lower lumbar spine was denied. The current rating of 20% is deemed insufficient to reflect his disability.

The Veteran's low back syndrome, status post laminectomy L4-L5, resulted in moderate, incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve for each lower extremity from October 13, 2004 to March 7, 2006. The Board granted a separate 20 percent evaluation for this period.

The Board found that the Veteran's residuals of a nose fracture was incurred in active service and granted service connection for this condition. The bilateral foot disorder claim is remanded due to lack of evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for her service-connected low back disability is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no current evidence of a bilateral ankle disability, and the Veteran did not have any other disabilities related to his period of active duty.

The Board denied the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The Board denied reopening of the claim for service connection for a low back disorder in August 2006, and it has not been reopened since.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a chronic low back disability and CTS of the right wrist should be remanded to obtain addendum opinions addressing the likelihood of a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has denied the claims for service connection for arthritis of lumbosacral spine and PTSD due to a lack of evidence showing an in-service injury or disease, and no credible link between current disability and service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating and earlier effective date for his service-connected right knee disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an earlier effective date, but also noted that additional development was needed to address whether the Veteran is unemployable due to his disabilities.

The Board finds that the Veteran's skin disorder of the left leg is not related to his military service.

The Board has ordered the VA to locate and provide treatment records from the Syracuse VAMC for the Veteran's period of service. The case will be remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to obtain an opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder and whether it is related to his service-connected right knee arthroscopy or left knee recurrent effusions.

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

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability is being remanded due to the unavailability of his service treatment records related to an appendectomy performed in February 1952. A new VA examination will be conducted to consider any new records and clinical records prior to 2005.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to the need to address the credibility of the Veteran's lay statements regarding chronic and continuous symptoms following service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative changes of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine and hypertension.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's back disability is caused or increased in severity by his service-connected right and left knee patellofemoral arthritis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed low back disability and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran did not sustain a left leg fracture during service, and his current lumbar spine disorder and acquired psychiatric disorder were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The claim for organic heart disease was denied as well.