Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2012

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim requires additional development and remands for further action, including obtaining relevant service treatment records from Fort Campbell and requesting an addendum to the January 2009 VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for post-operative residuals of a lumbar spine injury is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.,Service connection has been granted for a bowel disorder (chronic constipation), but it does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if any low back disability is causally related to service. The Veteran's claim will be adjudicated de novo.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete examination reports and a need to address the etiology of the lumbosacral herniation.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for low back strain with degenerative changes was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent prior to March 31, 2011 and did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 40 percent from March 31, 2011 onwards.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development and an examination.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU remains on appeal due to the need for further examination and opinion regarding his service-connected disabilities. The RO is instructed to arrange for a VA mental disorders examination, obtain any additional evidence, and readjudicate the claim.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain and well-healed scar on the lip did not meet the schedular requirements for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service connected disorders prior to October 25, 2006.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disease of the cervical and lumbar spine, finding that it was less likely than not related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disease of the cervical and lumbar spine, finding that it was less likely than not related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's lumbar spine DDD was found to be manifested by forward flexion of less than 60 degrees and a combined range of motion less than 120 degrees, with no additional functional loss due to pain or weakness. The Board denied the claim for ratings in excess of 10 percent prior to March 5, 2011, and 20 percent beginning March 5, 2011.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claims of service connection for arthritis of the thumbs, a bilateral knee disorder, and a back disorder; as well as entitlement to a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination reports and the need for additional VA examinations. The Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability and right hand and wrist disability are pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to schedule a hearing before the Board. The appellant is requested to indicate their preference for a videoconference, in-person at the RO, or an in-person hearing before the Board.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further examination and development of records, including VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for PTSD was denied, while his TDIU claim was granted. The low back disorder issue is considered 'unknown' as it does not appear to be part of the appeal.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine at L4-L5 and sinusitis were both rated as 10 percent disabling, with no higher ratings granted due to lack of evidence supporting more severe disability levels.