Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2011

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease with lumbar stenosis and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity were granted initial evaluations. The lumbosacral spine disability was rated at 20 percent, effective from September 24, 2007.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for low back disability, finding that there was insufficient evidence to support a link between his current condition and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 and increased rating for a left knee scar were denied as the evidence did not show that VA carelessness, negligence, or similar fault caused his additional disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are so severe as to preclude all substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational background, warranting a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disorder is related to his active duty service, including documented inservice injuries. As such, the claim for service connection for a back disorder is granted.

The Board found that the appellant's back condition pre-existed entrance into active duty for training (ACDUTRA) and there is no indication of any aggravation during his brief military service. Therefore, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's back disorder is being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding its etiology, as the current VA examiner did not address his thoracic spine condition. The issue of service connection remains under consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's migraines and low back disorder are not service-connected, as there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to her military service.

The Veteran is granted service connection for PTSD, right knee arthritis and medial meniscus tear, left knee arthritis and lytic lesion, and low back degenerative joint disease.,Service connection has been established for all issues on appeal.

The Board found no credible evidence of a chronic back disorder in service and concluded that the Veteran's current low back strain/pain is not related to his military service. For tinea pedis, the Board determined that the Veteran did not meet criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has ordered additional development due to incomplete records and scheduling issues for a Travel Board hearing. The claims are currently remanded.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is found to have been incurred during active duty service, and thus service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions, including whether they are related to service. The claims for hepatitis C, low back disability, and bilateral leg disability will be remanded for further action.

The VA Board found that the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder was not incurred in active service and denied his claim.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current low back disabilities, including lumbar disc disease and spinal stenosis, are proximately due to his military service. The decision is based on a finding of continuity of symptomatology from service through the present.

The Board found that there is no evidence linking the Veteran's current back disability to his period of active service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has ordered a supplemental medical opinion to address the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability. The claims are being remanded due to incomplete records and need further examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings on his low back, left knee, right knee, and irritable bowel syndrome disabilities are being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and industrial background.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD was received on May 14, 2004. The effective date of the grant of service connection for PTSD is set at May 14, 2004.