Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2012

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right little finger disorder and a back disorder, but denied both claims as new and material evidence was not submitted.,A VA examination is needed to assess the nature and etiology of the Veteran's current back disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability is etiologically related to a low back disability present in service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board finds that the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates were granted, with the effective date set at April 18, 2006.

The Veteran's service-connected spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease did not meet the criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent, as it did not result in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine less than 30 degrees or incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome.

The Board found that the Veteran's back disability did not have onset in service and was not caused or aggravated by his active military service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and need for additional evidence, including treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for a low back disability and bilateral hearing loss. Specifically, additional medical records are required to support these claims.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain, left tibia and fibula fracture, and left hip disability are currently rated at the maximum available rating of 20 percent. The Board finds that these conditions do not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for spine and neurological examinations to determine the current severity of his service-connected back disability.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain medical records, SSA decision and records, and a VA examination. The Veteran's back disorder may be related to service or his service-connected lymphoma/prostate cancer.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected disabilities, including back pain, sciatica, shoulder issues, and hemorrhoids. The VA is directed to obtain all relevant medical records and schedule the Veteran for appropriate examinations to determine the current severity of his conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and scheduling VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his psychiatric disorder, lung disability, back disability, left leg disability, and right leg disability.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for the claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being issued.

The Veteran's hypertension and congestive heart failure were denied as service connection was not established.,Service connection for degenerative disease of the left knee and mild degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine (secondary to left knee) have been granted.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability due to insufficient examination and incomplete medical records. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA examination, and any relevant treatment records from Dr. K. will be obtained.

The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 40 percent effective June 16, 2009. The rating reflects the current severity of his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected low back disability.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and back disorder were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and are therefore denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability, including lumbar spondylosis with L5 radiculopathy, is related to his service and grants service connection for this condition.