Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2011

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current left knee, right knee, or back disability that is related to service. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or disease and there is no competent medical opinion linking any current disabilities to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's lumbar strain and degenerative joint disease were incurred during active service, while his hearing loss was not related to service. The claim for hearing loss is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling an orthopedic and neurologic examination to assess the Veteran's lumbar spine disability. The issue of TDIU is also raised.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and consideration of the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional examination and medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claims of service connection for left heel disability, lumbar spine disability, and left lower extremity disability. The case will be returned to the Board after further review.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining a VA examination and opinion regarding his headaches, low back disability, and left hip disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's back disability, diagnosed as degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease, did not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent since December 16, 2010.

The Veteran's lumbar strain was rated at 10 percent prior to April 15, 2011, and increased to 20 percent effective that date. The initial compensable ratings for migraine headaches and gastroesophageal reflux disease were granted.

The Veteran's low back disability has been rated at 10 percent since September 15, 2006. The Board found that the evidence did not meet criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or other factors.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine with spinal stenosis, is service-connected as it had its onset during active duty.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and a compensable rating for headaches have been dismissed due to his failure to provide necessary releases for the VA to secure pertinent evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is not related to any incident therein. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and low back disorder due to new evidence submitted since the last final denial. The claims are now remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations to assess his cervical spine and lumbar strain conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to allow for further development of his claim, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board finds that the appellant's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity has resulted in weakness and numbness with occasional, partial left foot drop tantamount to no worse than moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve. Therefore, an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent is not warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability, including arthritis and herniated nucleus pulposus, is service-connected as it was manifested within one year of his separation from active duty.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including a new VA examination and obtaining outstanding records. The claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded pending this development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to unclear residuals of his in-service left thigh injury and the need for a VA examination to determine if he has a current lower back disorder related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, and a skin disorder of the hands and feet have all been granted.