Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2012

The Veteran's claim for higher initial ratings for his service-connected degenerative changes of the lumbar spine was denied as there is no indication that the disability warranted a rating higher than 40 percent.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches. The Veteran's current headaches are shown to be etiologically related to his active military service, and he is granted service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability did not exist prior to her entry into service and is not related to her active duty service. The claim was denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher evaluations for his cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, both rated at 20 percent since December 12, 2000.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating have been denied. The Board finds no evidence of a current left knee disorder or right toe disorder, and the Veteran has not provided sufficient medical evidence to establish an in-service event that may be associated with his current conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claims of service connection for a left eye disorder and a back condition. The Veteran's previous statements regarding his in-service injuries were considered, but no new or significant evidence was provided.

The Veteran's service connection claim for spina bifida occulta of S1 is denied, but her claim for a chronic lumbosacral strain is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine is related to documented in-service back injuries and has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not require the aid and assistance of another person, as his psychiatric condition is severe but does not preclude him from attending to the needs of nature.,The Veteran's son, A.C.M., no longer qualifies for dependency benefits due to reaching adulthood.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records. A new VA orthopedic examination will be scheduled to determine the nature of his low back disabilities or conditions, and a new VA audiological examination will assess the severity of his service-connected right ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining his complete service personnel records and VA/privately obtained medical records. He will be scheduled for examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed lung disorder, low back disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims due to incomplete records and need for updated VA examinations.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain National Guard treatment records and VA outpatient clinic records, as well as any relevant Social Security Administration disability benefits records. The Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome claim will also be reviewed with the assistance of a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence on file for VA to make a decision on the claim. The Veteran's lumbar spine and bilateral knee disorders need to be evaluated by an appropriately qualified medical professional.

The Veteran's appeal involves increased ratings for his left and right foot disabilities, as well as lumbar and thoracic spine disabilities. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical examinations and opinions.

The Board has denied the reopening of the claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's September 1, 2009 substantive appeal was not timely filed and thus his claims were denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claim can be decided. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability will need to be reviewed with updated medical records and further examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including arranging for a VA examination to determine whether the Veteran has a thoracolumbar spine disability that was caused or aggravated by military service.

The Board has granted service connection for right foot hallux limitus with degenerative joint disease. The issue of service connection for a back disorder is remanded to the RO.