Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2012

The Board has granted service connection for DDD of the cervical spine, finding that the Veteran's continuity of symptomatology with respect to his cervical spine following service is credible. The claims for depression and headaches are remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and arranging a new examination.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease of the low back, finding that these conditions had their onset in service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left ear hearing loss and degenerative spondylosis of the lumbar spine were denied. The Veteran's left ear hearing loss was found to correspond to a noncompensable evaluation, while his low back disability did not warrant an increase beyond the initial 10 percent assigned.

The Board has ordered additional development of the Veteran's VA medical records from 1985 to 2002. The case will be returned for further review.

The Veteran's representative withdrew the appeal for service connection of low back pain with bilateral lumbosacral paraspinal spasm, range of motion deficit, and lower extremity weakness.

The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 20 percent prior to March 26, 2011. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on his symptoms and range of motion.

The VA has granted an initial disability rating of 20 percent for the appellant's service-connected spondylosis with degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, effective July 29, 2003.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an opinion on whether the Veteran's back disability is aggravated by his service-connected left foot disorders and issuing a supplemental statement of the case regarding the increased rating claim.

The Board has determined that additional attempts must be made to obtain missing service records, including those from the Veteran's reserve and National Guard service. The appeal is REMANDED for these purposes.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder and sleep apnea, including considering his service in Kuwait and Iraq. The claims are being remanded for further action.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete medical records and the need for VA examinations.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder and paraplegia due to radiculopathy associated with lumbosacral spine disorder, finding that the Veteran's paraplegia was not caused by his service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new and material evidence having been received. The Veteran's claims are now pending for further development.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and finds that new evidence supports a finding that he currently suffers from this condition. The Board concludes, however, that there is no competent medical evidence linking his current condition to his active military service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 10 percent, but the VA examiner found that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on incapacitating episodes. The Veteran's disability has been characterized as degenerative disc disease and status post-lumbar strain.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for cervical spine disability and granted it, as well as granting service connection for right upper extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran is now entitled to a higher initial evaluation of 10% for her left arm radiculopathy.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed breathing condition. The Veteran will also undergo an examination to assess the severity of his right knee disability.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of a lumbosacral spine disability. The extension of temporary total rating based on left knee surgery is denied as the Veteran was not shown to be unable to work due to his left knee condition.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection of left hip, left knee, and low back disorders. The next step is to determine if these conditions are secondary to his service-connected left ankle disorder.