Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2012

The Board found no evidence of a chronic low back disorder in service and concluded that the Veteran's current low back disorder is not related to his period of active service.

The Board granted earlier effective dates of April 18, 2006 for the grant of service connection for chronic cervical spine strain, chronic thoracolumbar spine strain, and bilateral tinnitus, as well as the award of additional compensation for dependents. The Veteran's claims were filed on or around April 18, 2006.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD with depression and dysthymia, but found that the Veteran's low back disorder and headaches are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his lumbar spine disability was denied as the evidence did not show that he met the criteria for a higher rating under either the General Rating Formula or the Formula for Rating Intervertebral Disc Syndrome Based on Incapacitating Episodes.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before a final decision can be made on the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for a low back disorder, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and anxiety), and a right knee disorder. The claim to reopen the low back disorder was denied due to lack of new and material evidence.,Service connection was not granted for the acquired psychiatric disorder or the right knee disorder as there is no direct evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran has withdrawn all of his appeals for increased ratings and to reopen service connection claims. As a result, the appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is currently rated at 40 percent, but the Board finds that this rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations for his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and chondromalacia of both knees are being remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling additional examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination, and providing the Veteran's representative with an opportunity to review the claims file.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a left shoulder disability that is attributable to military service or to a service-connected disability. The criteria for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for recurrent dislocation, right shoulder, have not been met.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing at the RO. The issues of service connection for left knee disability, increased rating for degenerative disc disease with spondylosis of the lumbar spine, and increased rating for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity associated with degenerative disc disease with spondylosis of the lumbar spine are on appeal.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including a VA examination and an opportunity for the Veteran to provide additional evidence or information.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate VA spine examinations, and the Veteran's claim on appeal is now pending with the RO.

The Board has remanded the claims due to additional development being required, including VA examinations for a low back disability and circumcision residuals.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain has been rated at 20 percent since February 8, 2000. The Board found that the disability does not warrant a higher rating as there is no evidence of severe limitation of motion or ankylosis.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability is related to his service, and therefore grants service connection for residuals of a low back injury.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of a back disability has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional development, including medical examinations and verification of service in Southwest Asia.