Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that the appellant's claim for service connection for left leg numbness secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability should be remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and a VA examination.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen a previously denied claim for service connection for a back disorder, and remanded the underlying claim on the merits for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding the Veteran's tinnitus and degenerative changes of the lumbosacral spine. The claims will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a low back disability, claimed as degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine. The case is being remanded due to new evidence and additional development needed.

The Board granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination to address whether any current neck and back disabilities began in service or were caused by incidents during service.

The Board has remanded the claims for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities due to inadequate examination reports, requiring a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected low back disability was denied, as the current evaluation of 20 percent adequately reflects the severity of his condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical and lumbar degenerative disc disease were incurred in service, resulting in a grant of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's GERD and bilateral pes planus have been granted increased ratings, but her low back disorder remains unresolved. The right knee arthritis claim is pending.

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

The Board has remanded the claim for further evidentiary development due to inconsistencies in the medical records and the Veteran's statements regarding his back pain.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lower back condition, but denied the claim on the merits.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for low back pain, but it is unable to decide whether this condition was incurred in or aggravated by military service due to lack of definitive evidence.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is being remanded due to the need for further development and consideration of his service-connected low back disability.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for all issues, including those related to neck/cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, arthritis of the lower extremities, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, hypertension, and restless leg syndrome.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another person or at the housebound rate has been remanded due to insufficient information regarding his actual nonservice-connected disabilities. The VA will obtain additional medical records, including from SSA, and schedule a VA examination to determine if he is in need of regular aid and assistance.

The Board found that the Veteran's current back disability was not incurred in service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his back disability was granted, with a 10 percent rating effective February 23, 2005. A subsequent increase to 40 percent was granted effective December 1, 2008. The case is now remanded due to the Veteran missing his scheduled hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination and consideration of new evidence.