Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2012

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current low back disorder is related to his military service or whether he demonstrated arthritis of the low back within one year after military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disorder, hand disorder, and hypertension are not related to his active service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and providing additional opinions regarding secondary service connection.

The Veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities, including PTSD with alcohol dependence and degenerative joint diseases of the spine, knee, and foot, have rendered him permanently and totally disabled for pension purposes.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal due to the need for additional development of his claims, including obtaining treatment records and conducting VA examinations.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal regarding the issues of service connection for right shoulder and lumbar spine disabilities prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability and hearing loss are rated at the lowest possible levels, with no service connection granted for pericarditis.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for symptomatic spondylosis, L5 prior to October 27, 2008 was granted at a 10 percent rating. Beginning October 27, 2008, the Veteran's disability rating was increased to 20 percent. The Veteran's PTSD claim resulted in a grant of service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including amputation of the left lower extremity and other conditions, require regular aid and attendance. The case is being remanded for further review.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient examination and opinions regarding direct service connection for low back disability, as well as secondary service connection based on bilateral knee disabilities. The Veteran's testimony at the hearing suggests a possible link between his current low back disability and his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right foot disorder and lumbar strain are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical evidence from Dr. L. H. Lafond.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left ear and low back disorders are not related to his military service, but has granted service connection for these conditions based on direct evidence of their onset during service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, as determined by the VA examination. The case is REMANDED for further evaluation and consideration.

The Board finds that the appellant has failed to present evidence showing that VA's care or treatment caused or contributed significantly to the Veteran's death. The medical records indicate multiple health issues, including COPD and coronary artery disease, which were treated by VA prior to his death.

The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to service, and denied the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for lumbosacral spine spondylosis, degenerative joint disease of the bilateral wrists, bilateral knee replacement, and degenerative joint disease of the left ankle as these conditions are not related to active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are of such severity so as to preclude substantially gainful employment, and the Board grants a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with postoperative residuals of spinal fusion is currently rated at 20 percent, effective from April 6, 2011. The sensory deficits affecting both lower extremities are each rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for low back strain and dermatitis are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including consideration of recent VA examinations and private medical records.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar strain was granted a 40 percent rating effective July 23, 2010. Service connection for cold injury residuals (claimed as frost nip damage) is denied.