Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2013

The Veteran's request for a hearing has been noted, and the appeal is being remanded to schedule a videoconference Board hearing in connection with his claim.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical strain with joint narrowing and lumbar strain were evaluated based on their current manifestations, resulting in a 10 percent disability rating. The issues of TDIU and effective dates for the grant of service connection remain pending.

The Board denied service connection for low back strain, sinusitis (secondary to bronchial asthma), obesity (secondary to bronchial asthma), and flat feet/cysts on feet (secondary to bronchial asthma).

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical spine and right knee disabilities were denied as the evidence did not show that his conditions warranted a rating higher than 10 percent.

The Veteran's pelvic and lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent under the schedular criteria, but a separate rating for left lower extremity neurological symptoms is warranted.

The Board found no evidence of a direct service connection for the low back disability and concluded that it is not related to the Veteran's service-connected left foot pes planus. The claim was denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by her representative before the Board could issue a decision.

The Board found that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and may not be presumed to have been so incurred or aggravated. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further appellate review due to a need for an adequate VA examination regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ankle, knee, hip, and lumbar spine disabilities are not related to his service-connected fracture of the left lower fibula or flat foot. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board granted a 60 percent rating for the service-connected degenerative osteoarthritis of the lumbosacral spine and chronic sacroiliac strain, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for the cause of death and DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318, as new and material evidence was received since the last final denial.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back and neck disabilities are not related to service, and have denied his claims for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine condition, finding that the Veteran's current disability is related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, specifically his headaches, rendered him unemployable and he is granted a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain his SSA records and VA treatment records, as well as to attempt to locate any private chiropractor records. The case will be readjudicated after this additional development.

The Veteran's chronic low back pain, not attributable to a known clinical diagnosis, is considered due to an undiagnosed illness and manifested during service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection of a lumbar spine disability due to outstanding records and additional development being required.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for low back and cervical spine disabilities, finding new and material evidence. The Veteran's current low back disability is found to be related to active service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the increased rating for degenerative disc disease and joint disease (DDD, DJD), lumbosacral spine.