Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2012

The Board denied service connection for neck and back disabilities as well as gout of the right hand, elbows, knees, and ankles. The Veteran's claims were based on direct evidence rather than a presumption or secondary service connection.

The Veteran's low back disability, characterized as recurrent lumbosacral strain, has not met the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent under VA's schedular guidelines.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial disability rating for post-operative lumbosacral spine disease is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional records from the Social Security Administration.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, dizziness, and lumbar degenerative disk disease were not causally related to service.,There is no evidence of current disability for any of these conditions within one year post-service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed low back disability and bilateral knee disabilities were incurred in military service, granting his claims for service connection.

The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the claim, but denied service connection for a back disorder as there was no credible evidence of an in-service injury or chronic disability.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for S1 nerve root irritation of the lower extremities were denied as there is no evidence showing that his low back disability warrants a rating in excess of 40 percent under the applicable criteria.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were granted, with effective dates prior to December 6, 2004. The Veteran was also awarded a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities were incurred in active service, granting his claims for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected hiatal hernia and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine do not warrant a higher disability rating at any time during the period under consideration.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the thoracic spine was denied as it did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 40 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for clarification on whether the Veteran desires a hearing and to provide notice of any scheduled hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability is related to his in-service injury and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration (SSA) disability determination records and possibly requesting a new VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected low back disorder was evaluated at a 20 percent rating effective from June 25, 2009. The Board found that the current disability did not meet or approximate criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and assigned a noncompensable (0 percent) initial disability rating. The Veteran's appeal is based on seeking a compensable initial disability rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner to determine if the Appellant's current back and neck disorders are related to his military service. The claim will be readjudicated after this is done.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board found no evidence of service connection for any claimed conditions, including TBI, cervical spine/neck disability, bilateral knee and shoulder disabilities. The Veteran's reported symptoms were not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, finding that there was no credible evidence linking his current condition to his active service or any injury during service.