Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2011

The Board found that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, including spondylosis and discogenic degenerative disease, was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The VA examiner opined that it was less likely as not caused by a muscle strain during service.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a low back disorder. The Board has determined that additional VA and private treatment records are needed, as well as an appropriate VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his low back condition.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the appellant's right knee, right hip and lumbar spine disabilities are caused or aggravated by his service-connected left hip replacement with left leg shortening.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a request for a video conference hearing and other procedural issues.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination and requesting SSA records. The claim for TDIU will also be adjudicated.

The Board found that the Veteran's currently diagnosed low back and left knee disabilities are not related to his service, and arthritis may not be presumed to have been incurred in service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that her right knee disability did not warrant an evaluation in excess of the current evaluations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder and cervical degenerative disc disease are related to his service, specifically his parachute jumping in Vietnam. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining any form of substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a lumbar spine disability in service or within one year following separation, and the Veteran's current diagnoses are not related to his military service. As such, service connection for degenerative disc disease and spondylosis of the lumbar spine cannot be granted.

The Veteran's TDIU claim has been denied as his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected chronic low back strain with degenerative changes, prior to September 20, 2009, has been withdrawn.,The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his service-connected cervical spondylosis with degenerative changes and stenosis, currently evaluated as 30 percent disabling, prior to April 1, 2010, has been withdrawn.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for cervical and lumbar strains, and a knee injury is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his alleged active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for low back and left knee disorders are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings require additional development, including VA examinations to assess his right knee disorder, back disorder, residuals of a shell fragment wound of the right thigh, and diabetes mellitus. The case is being remanded to allow this development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities of the feet, right knee, and low back are deemed to make him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, back condition, right and left leg sciatica, and chronic acquired psychiatric disorder are not service-connected.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew their claims prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or at the housebound rate has been remanded due to insufficient information regarding her service-connected disabilities and their impact on daily activities. The VA is instructed to obtain additional medical records, including SSA disability benefits records, and schedule a VA examination to determine if she requires regular aid and attendance.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar strain, bilateral pes planus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and schizophrenia) due to lack of evidence supporting these conditions during or related to his military service.