Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbosacral strain was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back and bilateral hip disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by her period of active military service.

The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 40 percent disabling, effective September 28, 1999. The rating reflects severe pain and limitation of motion of the lumbar spine.

The Board found that the Veteran's current cervical and lumbar spine disorders are not related to his military service, as they are more likely due to natural degenerative changes associated with aging.

The Veteran's appeal is currently in remand status due to the need for additional examinations and development of his claims.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions regarding his service-connected back disability, as well as his ability to obtain or retain employment.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU was denied as he did not meet the criteria for a TDIU prior to April 25, 2000.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected cervical, thoracic and lumbosacral degenerative disc disease with radiculopathy and right shoulder condition are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for certification for automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only.

The Veteran's initial rating claim for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his service-connected disability did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation. The claim for service connection for a back disability was also denied due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board Hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine and left hip disabilities. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for service connection, a compensable rating for kidney stones, and service connection for a back disability are being REMANDED due to the need for additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disability, finding that it is related to parachute jumping during military service. The claim for a higher initial rating for post-concussion syndrome with headaches and the TDIU claim are still pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD, degenerative disc disease of the low back, L4/5, and claudication of the right and left lower extremity. The decision found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or exposure to herbicides.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to properly evaluate the Veteran's service-connected low back disorder and right lower extremity radiculopathy, including obtaining a new VA examination.

The Board found that the appellant's low back disability is not attributable to service, including his helicopter crash in December 1968. The examiner concluded it was less likely than not due to this incident.

The Board has ordered additional VA examinations to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine and right lower extremity disabilities. The claims are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic low back strain with degenerative disc disease disability is primarily manifested by subjective pain, degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine, and forward flexion limited to no more than 90 degrees. The criteria for an evaluation greater than 10 percent have not been met.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disorder was not caused or aggravated by his military service and denied his claim for service connection.