Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2012

The Veteran's PLS was granted service connection, and the low back disability claim is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's degenerative disc degeneration at L4-5 and L3-4 with spinal stenosis has not met the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent since June 20, 2007.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to conflicting statements regarding a hearing request and the need to obtain SSA disability benefits records.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the relationship between the Veteran's current low back disability and left leg numbness, if any, and his active military service. The issues of entitlement to service connection for these conditions are being remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a hearing with a Decision Review Officer (DRO). The case will be returned to the Board after this action.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete records and need for updated medical opinions regarding his service connection claims.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development and consideration, including obtaining updated treatment records and providing additional medical nexus opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's peripheral vascular disease, lumbar spine, and cervical spine disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability and found that the Veteran's current stomach disability is related to his active service. The right wrist arthralgia, hysterical nervousness (conversion type), and residuals of puncture wound to the right foot instep are all considered separately.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder disability is not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected low back disability. The fall causing the injury was not related to his service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure in recording the hearing and offers the appellant an opportunity for a Travel Board hearing.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disease of the lumbar spine, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to active service. The right shoulder disorder claim remains pending.

The Veteran's low back strain with traumatic arthritis is currently rated at 40 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The appeal was denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete development and the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for low back disability, including lumbar disc disease with right short leg syndrome, claimed as secondary to service-connected left foot disabilities.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, and his thoracic spine disability warrants a separate 10 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development of factual and medical evidence, including private treatment records from a chiropractor and a VA medical opinion addressing all theories of entitlement raised by the Veteran.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was not incurred or aggravated in service. The Board found that while he had a current diagnosis, there was no evidence linking his condition to his military service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is rated at 50 percent effective July 12, 2003. His cervical spine DDD is rated at 30 percent, effective July 12, 2003. His lumbar spine DDD is rated at 60 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the appellant's back disability and psychiatric disability. The claims will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee and low back disorders are secondary to her service-connected left knee disability, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.