Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2011

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated VA outpatient records, schedule appropriate examinations, and adjudicate his diabetes mellitus claim.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current right shoulder disorder is related to service, and grants service connection for this condition. The issues of secondary service connection for left arm and low back disorders are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation of his right fourth metacarpal disability was granted, and he is now receiving the full benefit. The claims for hepatitis C and back disorder are pending as they have been reopened due to new evidence. Service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome remains denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back and left shoulder disorders may be related to his active duty service, but further examination is needed to determine this relationship.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative discogenic disease of L4-5, L5-S1 and degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine. The case is now remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to procedural deficiencies and the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is found to be secondary to his service-connected disabilities, including osteoarthritis of the ankles and knees.

The Veteran's service-connected low back strain with mild degenerative joint disease is currently rated at 20 percent, and the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed in order to make a fully informed decision on the Veteran's claims, including obtaining relevant service records and conducting medical examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability was granted a 40 percent rating effective June 18, 2007. The left knee disability was granted a 30 percent rating effective June 27, 2008.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability was reopened and granted.,Service connection was also granted for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, but it is not considered secondary to her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's lumbar strain with degenerative joint disease was rated at 20 percent from November 24, 2004 to July 14, 2005.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C. The issues of back and left hip disabilities, as well as TDIU, are pending.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for his service-connected low back disability from January 29, 2009 to February 28, 2009 was denied.,The propriety of reducing the Veteran's disability rating from 40 percent to 20 percent effective March 1, 2009 was upheld.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to missing service and post-service treatment records, as well as outstanding VA outpatient treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and higher ratings have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a grant of service connection or higher ratings for most conditions, with some exceptions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder is not related to his active service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not resulted in the permanent loss or use of one or both feet, hands, vision, or ankylosis of knees or hips. Therefore, he is not entitled to financial assistance for automobile and adaptive equipment.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected low back disability is pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability warrants a 10 percent evaluation effective from December 10, 2007. The initial rating was granted and is not in dispute.