Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2011

The Board finds that the Veteran's left hip and low back disorders are not related to his period of active service or a service-connected disability, thus denying both claims for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to a request for withdrawal prior to the Board's decision.

The Board found no credible evidence of in-service injuries or symptoms that would support service connection for the claimed conditions, including headaches, low back disorder, bilateral heel disorder, and left shoulder disorder. As a result, these claims were denied.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete development and need for further examination. The claims will be returned to the RO for additional action.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical, thoracic, and lumbosacral spine disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by service. The disabilities are considered to be unrelated to any injury, disease, or event in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disorder, diagnosed as lumbar strain, is related to service and has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the compensable evaluation for the service-connected left hand injury, Barrett's disease, sleep apnea, bilateral knee disorder, and bilateral ankle disorder. He also withdrew his petitions to reopen the claims of service connection for a low back disorder and a left eye disorder (astigmatism).

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining specific information regarding his periods of active duty and inactive duty training in the Army Reserve.

The Veteran's service-connected low back disability is currently rated as 20 percent disabling prior to January 15, 2008. From January 15, 2008, the disability results in chronic pain causing functional loss and flexion less than 30 degrees.

The Board has determined that additional substantive development is needed prior to further appellate review of the claim for service connection for a low back disorder. The Veteran seeks service connection for a low back disability, which he contends was incurred or aggravated in service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining missing medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed back and psychiatric disabilities did not manifest during service or within one year thereafter, and are not otherwise related to military service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant and his representative, resulting in the dismissal of the case.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA medical records and arranging a neurological examination. The issues of increased rating for low back disability and TDIU are inextricably intertwined and will be addressed together.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's low back disability began during active service or is related to an incident of service. As such, the claim for service connection for a low back disability is granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for basic eligibility as a Veteran and service connection for a back disorder, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability related to his brief period of active duty.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with psychotic features is found to be secondary to his service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability is related to her in-service injuries and finds service connection for this condition is warranted.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including limitation of flexion and lateral instability, is rated at 20 percent effective July 14, 2011.