Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2011

The Veteran's intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 20 percent, and he is granted a separate compensable rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy. The left lower extremity radiculopathy remains at 10 percent.

The Veteran's lower back disability is currently rated at 10 percent, but the evidence does not support a higher rating.,Service connection for left knee arthritis has been granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims of service connection for schizophrenia and a back disability, but has determined that these claims are not well-grounded in law due to the lack of evidence showing that the disabilities were incurred or aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete hearing transcript and the need for a new hearing. The issues of service connection are still pending.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic lumbar strain has been evaluated at 20 percent since April 2006. Despite complaints of pain and limitations, the VA examinations have shown that his range of motion is within normal limits with no ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for facet arthralgia of the lumbosacral spine is being remanded due to a scheduling issue with his Travel Board hearing.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is rated at 40 percent since April 27, 2010. The initial rating for right and left lower extremity radiculitis remains at 10 percent.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including leishmaniasis, fatigue, memory loss, night sweats, bleeding gums, lung/respiratory problems, skin rash, sinusitis, sleep apnea, diverticulosis coli with diarrhea, joint pain to the low back and lower extremities, heart problems, psychiatric pain disorder, headaches, and bilateral eye disorder. The effective date for service connection of PTSD remains October 5, 1994.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and erectile dysfunction, both secondary to medications taken for a service-connected condition. The remaining issues are in the process of being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability, disc herniation at L5-S1, was not incurred in or aggravated by service.,There is no credible evidence of a current left knee or leg disability since service or other possible association with any of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities on the basis of aggravation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder is related to his service-connected left hip disability, and grants the claim for secondary service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection of low back disorder and vision disability. The claim for right foot arthritis rating increase is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability is not causally related to service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's low back disability is related to his service-connected residuals of frostbite of the right and left lower extremities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran failed to report for VA medical examinations scheduled in conjunction with his reopened claims, and thus the appeal is denied as a matter of law.

The Board found no evidence of a low back disability during service or within one year after separation, and the Veteran's current condition is not related to his military service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's chronic low back pain, diagnosed as chronic lumbar strain, is found to be attributable to her active military service.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for PTSD and granted it. Service connection is also granted for hypertension, but not for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, cervical spine, right shoulder, left shoulder, trembling of the right hand, or loss of memory.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for information from Social Security Administration (SSA) regarding disability determinations and medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back, bilateral knee, and left shoulder disabilities are not related to his military service. The evidence shows multiple post-service injuries as the cause of these conditions.