Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2012

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the percentage requirements for TDIU, as his combined rating is 40 percent. The VA examiner concluded that he is unable to work due to fibromyalgia and chronic pain syndrome rather than from his service-connected back and knee strain.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is service-connected as it was incurred during his active duty in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability is secondary to his service-connected gunshot wound residuals, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to care for his daily needs without requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the claim has become moot.

The Veteran's claim for increased disability ratings for his lumbar spine disability was denied. The disability is currently rated at 40 percent, effective September 3, 2009.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for a mid to low back disorder and determined that it is related to his active duty service.

The Board has reopened the claims for low back disability, bilateral knee disability (right), and bilateral foot disability. The Veteran's current disabilities are found to be related to his service-connected low back disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right elbow disorder, migraine headaches, low back disorder, and residuals of venereal disease. The decision also noted that the Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding a TDIU claim.

The Veteran's left knee and low back disabilities are found to be related to his service, while his PTSD is linked to combat experiences during service. Service connection for all three conditions is granted.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder, uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts, and Meniere's disease (vertigo) were all incurred during active service.,VA has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left hip osteoarthritis is related to service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to assess his lower back disability. The issue of service connection for PTSD will also be addressed.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service connection claims, including for chronic fatigue syndrome/fibromyalgia, left hand arthritis, right knee disorder, mid-and-low-back disorder, bilateral foot disorder, and skin disorder. The appeals are remanded to obtain additional medical records, provide VCAA notice, and schedule the Veteran for a VA examination.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's current degenerative joint disease of the left knee and his active service, including a fall from a ladder while on board the U.S.S. Enterprise.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeals for reopening his claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, left shoulder disability, and lumbosacral strain have been withdrawn. The claim for an increased rating for right shoulder osteoarthritis was denied as there is no evidence showing a higher rating is warranted based on current symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected lumbosacral spine disorder and left knee disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back, hip, and foot problems are related to his service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling a video conference hearing. The claim of entitlement to service connection for a low back disability will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of reopening his service connection claims for back and neck disorders, finding that new and material evidence has been received. The decision on the merits will be remanded.