Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2012

The Veteran's DDD of the lumbar spine and associated radiculopathy were granted with initial disability ratings of 20 percent, which were subsequently increased to 40 percent effective from July 24, 2009.

The Board has granted service connection for low back disability but denied left ear hearing loss due to lack of current disability as defined by VA standards.

The Board has granted service connection for arthritis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, bilateral calcaneal spurs of ankles, arthritis of hands, arthritis of feet, and degenerative joint disease of left knee. The other issues were not addressed due to lack of evidence.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for a low back disability due to new and material evidence, but the issue remains on remand as additional development is needed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow for additional development of his claims, including VA examinations and the provision of a medical opinion regarding the etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability was not incurred in or a result of active duty service and denied his claim. The pelvis disability issue is pending as it relates to a separate appeal.

The appeal is being remanded again to the RO/AMC for additional development, including obtaining a VA examiner's opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's low back disability based on review of his SSA records.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain updated VA treatment records and to request SSA disability benefits administrative decision and records.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations. The effective date of service connection for low back DJD will also be addressed.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hand, right hip, low back, and sinus disorders. The evidence supports a finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for further development due to insufficient medical evidence addressing the relationship between his current back and neck disabilities and military service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has not been characterized by ankylosis or incapacitating episodes since October 13, 2011. The claim for a higher rating is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for a Travel Board hearing at the RO, and the Veteran's claim of service connection for a lumbar spine disorder is pending.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for her lumbosacral spine disability was granted, and she is now rated at 20 percent effective the date of the grant of service connection (April 30, 2003).

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling an examination.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disorder, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing condition worsened during his third period of active duty. The claim is granted based on in-service aggravation.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for traumatic arthritis of the right ankle and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with sciatica, effectively granting all benefits sought.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA examinations and records, as well as seeking private treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.