Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2012

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar strain, myositis with spondylosis is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board finds that the evidence supports a higher rating of 40 percent.

The Board found no evidence of chronic conditions in service and denied the claims for service connection as there is insufficient competent medical evidence to support a nexus between current disabilities and active duty.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of whether her service-connected disabilities, without considering any nonservice-connected disabilities, render her unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, right shoulder strain with degenerative arthritis, and left wrist spur were denied as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes meeting the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected residuals of a gunshot wound of the left heel and lumbosacral strain, finding that they did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including securing VA treatment records and arranging for a spine examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's service connection claims for right shoulder arthritis and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, finding that new and material evidence has been received.,Service connection is granted for right shoulder arthritis and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease as these conditions are found to be related to military service.

The Veteran's L4-5, L5-S1 disc extrusion with degenerative joint and disc disease of the lumbar spine has been rated at 40 percent since September 16, 2010. The rating is based on significant loss of motion but no ankylosis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right hip, left hip (previously total hip replacement), and lumbar spine disabilities are related to his military service. The left knee disability is also found to be related to service. Left IT band syndrome is considered proximately due to or the result of a service-connected condition.

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 low back strain with scoliosis, left knee disability, and major depression.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling prior to February 3, 2009 and 20 percent disabling from that date. The Veteran's low back strain is currently rated as 10 percent disabling throughout the appeal period.,The Veteran's anterior neck scar is currently rated as noncompensable prior to February 3, 2009 and 10 percent disabling beginning on that date. The Veteran's seborrheic dermatitis is currently rated as noncompensable throughout the appeal period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative disability of the low back is aggravated by his service-connected disabilities, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining updated medical records. The Veteran's claim for TDIU is also raised.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claims for service connection for low back and neck disabilities can be properly adjudicated.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development and examination, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA audio examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and private medical records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder will be reconsidered after this additional information is obtained.

The Board has granted service connection for low back and bilateral knee disabilities as secondary to service-connected pes planus, and has awarded initial noncompensable ratings for right and left ankle sprains. The Veteran's claims are now granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including low back strain and rheumatoid arthritis, have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection based on direct service incurrence or aggravation.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to new evidence submitted without a waiver of initial RO consideration.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for lumbar spine, cervical spine, bilateral shoulder, memory loss, headache, and sleep disabilities. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service.