Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2013

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, bilateral foot disability, and low back disability. The evidence did not show current disabilities or a link to service.

The Board found no evidence of a low back disability during service or within one year post-service, and concluded that the current condition is not related to military service.

The Veteran's service-connected low back strain and degenerative disc disease of the cervical and lumbar spine have been denied.

The Board found no causal relationship between the Veteran's current bilateral knee and back disabilities and his military service, thus denying both claims.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 40 percent from December 5, 2002. The appeal for a higher rating is denied as the condition did not meet criteria for an increased rating prior to that date.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining STRs and arranging for VA examinations to determine if any of the claimed disabilities are related to service, specifically National Guard duty.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and special monthly pension due to his failure to provide necessary income verification forms as required by VA regulations.

The Veteran seeks service connection for arthritis of the lumbar spine, which he claims is related to his military service. The Board has ordered a remand due to inadequate opinions regarding the etiology and aggravation of the back disability.

The Veteran's lumbosacral spine disability was evaluated at 40 percent prior to May 12, 2011. The initial evaluation for left lower extremity radiculopathy was also granted at 10 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected lumbosacral strain and pulmonary tuberculosis, inactive with associated bronchiectasis of the right upper lobe.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for low back disability, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic condition in service and insufficient medical opinion to establish a link between current symptoms and service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU rating, and his claim is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as he is capable of performing sedentary employment.

The case is being remanded for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from the VA examiner and reviewing additional private medical records provided by the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development. The primary issues are whether service connection is warranted for a bilateral foot disorder and tinnitus, as well as an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for chronic low back strain.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his low back and left lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities, as well as his claim for a TDIU. The case is being returned to the RO/AMC for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a supplemental VA medical opinion. The Veteran's claim of service connection for a low back disability is pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to consider the need for SMC based on aid and attendance due to his low back disability, as well as the possibility of a total rating under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16 (p).

The Veteran's initial increased ratings for left shoulder disability and degenerative disc disease with spurring and bulging disc of the cervical and thoraco-lumbar spine were granted, but no higher as of August 11, 2010.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, effective June 25, 2009. He was granted a separate 10 percent rating for left lower extremity neurologic impairment associated with the lumbar spine disability.,His right lower extremity radiculopathy remains at 10 percent.